Amsterdam: NEMO Science Museum Ticket
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
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Transport Access
History
NEMO Science Museum opened in 1997 inside a striking copper-green ship-like building designed by Renzo Piano, perched on the Oosterdok waterfront. Originally the New Metropolis science center, it evolved from the 1923 Labor Museum to become the Netherlands’ largest hands-on science hub, welcoming over 600,000 visitors yearly.
Renovated in 2016 with new labs and the iconic rooftop square, it blends playful discovery with serious STEM education. The building itself is an exhibit—its shape mimics a boat emerging from the IJ tunnel, symbolizing exploration.
Highlights
- Dive into 5 floors of interactive exhibits on energy, DNA, physics, and the human mind
- Trigger the spectacular Chain Reaction—a 15-minute Rube Goldberg machine with balls, dominoes, and fireworks
- Don a lab coat in Technium and conduct real experiments like DNA extraction or water purification
- Explore the rooftop square with giant soap bubbles, solar demos, and panoramic Amsterdam views
- Watch live science shows, workshops, and mind-bending demonstrations
- Fast-track entry to skip lines and maximize playtime
Full Description
NEMO Science Museum turns science into a playground across five themed floors in Renzo Piano’s emerald-green landmark. Your fast-track ticket launches you into a whirlwind of discovery: build bridges that withstand earthquakes, power a city with pedal generators, or peer into a giant kaleidoscope revealing optical illusions.
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Floor 1’s Technium lab lets you extract strawberry DNA or purify water like a scientist—lab coats provided. Floor 2 unpacks the human body and mind with brain teasers and emotion mirrors. Higher up, energy exhibits let you launch rockets or harness wind. The star? The Chain Reaction show (hourly)—a mesmerizing 15-minute domino cascade of balls, pulleys, and explosions.
The rooftop (free with entry) offers Amsterdam’s best skyline views, plus summer water games and a café. Workshops, films, and pop-up demos run daily. Wheelchair-friendly with elevators, it’s pure curiosity fuel for all ages—plan 3–5 hours to soak it all in.
Why Choose This Attraction?
NEMO isn’t a museum—it’s a science adventure park where you do the experiments. Perfect for rainy days or curious minds, it makes complex ideas tangible: why rainbows form, how lightning strikes, what DNA looks like.
Fast-track entry saves time, the rooftop adds wow, and the Chain Reaction is a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for families, but adults love it too—think team-building with a side of childlike wonder.
What’s Included
- Fast-track admission to NEMO Science Museum
- Access to all 5 floors of interactive exhibits
- Entry to Chain Reaction shows and live demonstrations
- Use of Technium lab (lab coats provided)
- Rooftop square with panoramic views and water play (seasonal)
- Wheelchair-accessible elevators and paths
- Free Wi-Fi and cloakroom
- On-site café and rooftop restaurant
Pricing
From $25 per person
Meeting Point
NEMO Science Museum, Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands. Present mobile voucher at the main entrance.
How to Get There
- By Foot: 10 min from Centraal Station via Oosterdok
- By Tram: Lines 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 to Centraal, then 10-min walk
- By Metro: Lines 51, 53, 54 to Centraal
- By Bike: 5 min from center; racks at entrance
- By Bus: Line 22 or N87 to Kadijksplein (3-min walk)
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes (lots of walking, stairs optional)
- Light jacket (rooftop can be windy)
- Reusable water bottle (refill stations)
- Curiosity (and a spare lab coat!)
Know Before You Go
- Open Tue–Sun 10 AM–5:30 PM (Mon during school holidays)
- Chain Reaction shows hourly; check board for times
- Rooftop water play open April–Sept (bring towel/change)
- No large bags (cloakroom free)
- Combine with A’DAM Lookout (15-min walk) for a science + views day
Reviews
- Super interactive—Chain Reaction was epic!
- Great museum, but crowded on weekends. Go early.
- Excellent for families. Kids loved the lab and rooftop. Plan half a day—worth every minute.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What is the Chain Reaction, and when does it run?
The Chain Reaction is a 15-minute spectacle of cause-and-effect: thousands of dominoes, balls, pulleys, and gadgets trigger each other in a giant Rube Goldberg machine across Floor 1. It ends with a bang (safe sparks and sound). Runs hourly (on the hour, 11 AM–4 PM); arrive 10 minutes early for front-row spots. English explanations via screens. Not to be missed—kids (and adults) gasp every time.
Can I do real experiments in the lab, and is it for kids only?
Yes—in Technium (Floor 1), everyone becomes a scientist. Don a lab coat and choose from 10+ guided experiments: extract DNA from fruit, test water quality, build circuits, or mix safe chemicals. Sessions are 20–30 minutes, led by staff in English/Dutch. All ages welcome—kids 6+ with supervision, adults solo. No booking needed; first-come. It’s hands-on learning that feels like play.
Is the rooftop worth visiting, and what’s up there?
Absolutely—NEMO’s rooftop is a free bonus with entry. Open year-round (weather permitting), it offers 360° views of Amsterdam’s old town, IJ River, and modern Oosterdok. Summer brings giant water games: pump fountains, build dams, make mega soap bubbles. Year-round: solar demos, wind turbines, and a café with snacks (€5–10). Elevator access; picnic-friendly. Best at golden hour for photos.
Is NEMO crowded, and how can I avoid lines?
Yes—weekends and holidays peak 11 AM–2 PM. Your fast-track ticket skips the main queue, but inside can still feel busy. Arrive at opening (10 AM) or after 3 PM for quieter floors. School groups dominate mornings; afternoons are calmer. Chain Reaction and lab have natural caps—waits rarely exceed 15 minutes.
Is NEMO suitable for toddlers or non-Dutch speakers?
Yes—toddlers love Floor 1’s ball machines and water play (diaper-friendly). Exhibits are universal: no reading required—just touch, push, pull. Staff speak English; demos have visual cues. The app offers basic translations. Strollers fit elevators; baby changing on every floor. For under 4s, focus on lower floors and rooftop—pure sensory fun.
