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NEMO Science Museum

2 Oosterdok, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Description

The NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest science center, with five floors of hands-on exhibits in a boat-shaped building designed by Renzo Piano's team. The first-floor focus is on chain reactions and DNA; the second floor contains a ball factory and various displays on electricity, water and metals; the third floor has a large science lab for visitors to experiment and the fourth one is centred around the human mind. The last floor is an upper deck with a children's play area and a cafeteria.

Access & Transport

The museum is located on top of the IJ tunnel, between the Oosterdokseiland and Kattenburg neighbourhoods. Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam There are plenty of bicycle parking available in front of and near the museum and it is only a 5-10mins ride from the center of the city or 20mins by foot from the Central Station (1.4km) Bus 22 (Kadijksplein) stops nearby. The closest tram station is Plantage Parklaan (9, 14) 800m away and Waterlooplein metro station (9, 14, 51, 53, 54) is 15mins/1.2km away. Parking in the vicinity include Markenhoven, Oosterdok and Waterlooplein.

Instructions & Recommendations

The museum is a short walk from the National Maritime Museum, the Artis Zoo and the Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Gardens).

Meta review

Mixed and contradictory reviews for this museum. Many visitors find it very basic, essentially an engaging way to teach science to kids whilst for others it is interesting even for adults. We found some more nuanced explanations clarifying that the lower levels seem to cater for the younger ones but that the third and fourth floors had more advanced content. Otherwise, the main criticism is how busy it can get and the main draw are the views from the upper deck.

Environmental & Social

The museum is increasingly focused on energy efficiency (e.g. LED lightings), uses cradle-to-cradle materials and works with local suppliers. Its vision is "development through knowledge" and it seeks to achieve that through its facilities, educational program and NEMO Kennislink that writes about the latest development in scientific research in clear and accessible articles aimed at a wide public audience.

Conclusion

The NEMO Science Museum is a good school or family activity for residents or for travellers who have already spent more than 4-5 days in the city. However, whilst the building is one of the architectural highlights of Amsterdam, the content isn't of the same calibre from an educational perspective.

Key positive

An educational activity for families

Key negative

Not much advanced content and too much focus on interactive hands-on exhibits

Quite expensive

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 17:30

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:30

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:30

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:30

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:30

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:30

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:30

Start of Season 2:Sep, 01

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:30

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:30

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:30

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:30

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:30

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:30

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€17.5
Adult
12 - 64
€17.5
Child
4 - 11
€17.5
Infant
0 - 3
€0
Student ID Card: € 8.75. Free with the IAmsterdam city card.

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