NEMO Science Museum: science you can try for yourself
From light and sound to games and the universe, experiments take centre stage at NEMO. A temporary programme joins them during the autumn school holiday.
At NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, touching things is part of the visit. Its copper-green building rises above the Oosterdok, but the real discovery begins inside: light, sound, technology, the universe and the human body occupy different floors. Visitors can try experiments rather than only look into display cases.
The permanent route makes the differences between the themes clear. Fenomena explores natural phenomena such as light, sound and static electricity. Technium focuses on technology. Elementa covers the universe and includes the Lab, while Humania examines human beings. If you do not want to see everything in one day, choose a few floors in advance.
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NEMO also offers activities beyond its permanent exhibitions. The museum mentions the Lab, where visitors can investigate things for themselves, and the Chain Reaction: a demonstration in which one small movement sets a series of others in motion. These activities give the visit a rhythm between trying things yourself and watching together.
On 16 October, Game On is the temporary attraction. According to NEMO, the exhibition runs from 10 July through 25 October 2026. From 11 am, visitors can play games from different generations in the second-floor theatre, from Super Nintendo to PlayStation 5. The exhibition connects games with technology, design and social life.
NEMO also runs an autumn holiday programme from 10 through 25 October. Its programme page lists workshops, the Chain Reaction and the AI Challenge. For the latter, the museum gives start times of 11.30 am, 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm in the second-floor auditorium. Game On falls within the same period.
NEMO is at Oosterdok 2, within walking distance of Amsterdam Central Station. Regular opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5.30 pm; there are exceptions during holidays and on some Mondays. In October 2026, NEMO also lists Monday 12, 19 and 26 October as opening days. Tickets have a start time, so choose an arrival that fits the demonstration or workshop you want to attend. The museum has no car park of its own.
According to NEMO, a regular ticket for visitors aged four and over costs €21.50. Students and CJP holders pay €14; admission is free with a Museumkaart, among other passes. For a first visit, one or two permanent themes combined with a temporary activity work well. That leaves enough time to experiment without rushing from floor to floor.