The NEMO Science Museum occupies the large green, ship's-bow-shaped building designed by Renzo Piano, opened in 1997 on the Oosterdok, above the entrance to the IJ tunnel. Its interactive exhibitions explain how science works, everyday technology, matter and the universe, and the human body. The museum is aimed at all ages, with demonstrations and workshops on top of the permanent galleries. A ticket costs €21.50 from age 4, entry is free under 4 (prices checked in October 2026), and the rooftop square is free to visit without a ticket. The museum is about a 15-minute walk from Central Station.
Highlights
The rooftop square (Rooftop Square)
This sloping square, planted to attract birds and insects, is open free of charge from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:30; you reach it by the stairs on the east side. The view takes in the Oosterdok, the old town and the harbour. The museum restaurant and a bar have terraces up there, and a measuring post records the temperature and soil moisture.
Renzo Piano's building
Clad in green copper, the building seems to rise out of the water like a ship's hull. It stands above the mouth of the IJ road tunnel. The best view of it is from the Oosterdok quays or from a canal cruise boat.
The exhibitions
The galleries cover how science works, everyday technology, a journey from atom to planet and the human body. Almost everything is hands-on: experiments, machines and observation games. Some activities are for ages 6 and up, and extra activities are scheduled during school holidays and on public holidays.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Every ticket has an entry time: book online, as the ticket desk only sells places still available on the day. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like, until closing time. Holders of the Museumkaart, the I amsterdam City Card or the Stadspas get in free, but must also book a time slot. With a CJP card or a student card, a ticket costs €14; a companion of a visitor with a disability gets in free (prices checked in October 2026). Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Lockers take a 50-cent coin; suitcases cannot be stored. The museum has no car park: the Oosterdok and Markenhoven car parks are the closest.
How to get there
Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam. On foot from Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal): about 15 minutes; exit on the city-centre side, turn left and follow Oosterdokskade along the water. Bus 42 from Centraal Station, Kadijksplein stop, a few minutes' walk from the museum.
Opening hours
Nearby
Comments
No comments yet.