Nemo Museum, Amsterdam

4 more images

We continued our tour via the “Teen Fact” section where we learned about body heat, the heart and all hormones. After looking at a peep show we came at a very interesting section of NEMO: the journey through the mind. Right here you can analyse your own facial expressions, try to unravel optical illusions and learn about ten tips for a fit brain. Maybe writing about NEMO is too much, because we also learned some explanations about amazing construction where we saw the effects of forms, strength and balance of bridges and other buildings. For the kids the Machine Park was quite interesting where you need to sort balls according to colour, size and weight and when you’re done you’re able to send the package on its way.

Another great interactive section was the “NEMO’s Wonder Lab” part of the museum, where you can undertake several nice tests, like changing the colour of red cabbage simply by using soap, make glue from potatoes and find out whether orange juice does contain vitamin C. Sam and my mother made some nice tests in this real chemistry laboratory. At the end we even had a good look at the “Search for Life” section where we found out what we had in common with a jellyfish and a plant. We stayed at NEMO for over 5 hours and had a great time.

4 more images

Where to start once you’re inside NEMO? That is a question that can’t be answered. I guess everybody first visits the spots he or she is truly interested in. Funny thing is that everybody that enters the museum immediately starts to get into (inter)action. Right at the entrance you can make the biggest soap bubble and see if you fit inside. This is a very crowded part of the museum and once you’re past this point (near the cloakroom) you’ll see everybody split up and they all go their own way.

It’s a great museum! Just enjoy the space shower (cosmic rays will bombarding you), find out how unique you are yourself at “Codename: DNA” and learn the secrets of gravity, light, sound and static electricity at Phenomena section. Don’t forget to visit the roof terrace. Why this particular part was built is quite interesting. The architect came to the conclusion that Amsterdam was missing a ‘piazza’, this in contrast to other world cities. Therefore he created this elevated viewpoint of which you’re able to look over the city. It is truly a breathtaking viewpoint indeed.

4 more images

I wanted to visit the Science Center NEMO for a long time, but somehow the time never came to actually do it. In February 2013 we had the best reason to go for it: my parents were married for 45 years and we treated my parents for a nice day out and NEMO was part of the day we organized. Why was I so anxious on visiting the Science Center NEMO in the first place? Well, because it contains five floors of hands-on science exhibitions and is the largest science center in the Netherlands. My father is a true technician and for his grand children, of course, it would be the perfect place to connect to science and technology. Just enjoying the exhibitions, theatre performances, films, workshops and demonstrations. Besides that it attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, which makes it the fourth most visited museum in the Netherlands. In my opinion a good reason for a visit.

We traveled by train, which is probably the best way to go to the city of Amsterdam. Nice thing is that the NEMO museum is only a 10 minutes’ walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Walking towards it you simply can’t miss the immense green building. Once we arrived in the building we immediately could feel that in this science centre, visitors of every age and background could make an exciting journey of discovery through the wonderful world of science and technology. So off we went …

Continuing on our canal boat tour we eventually arrived at the harbour and passed the Nemo Museum which is shaped like a giant ship.
The harbour has much to see and photo and for those who do not want to take a canal tour the other opportunity to get on the harbour is on one of the many ferries that cris cross the shores.
NEMO is a Science Museum

3 more images

The NEMO museum is build in the 1990's on top of the South entrance to the IJtunnel.

It's a museum ideal for kids, because most projects involve hands-on experiences.

From the roof you have a great view over the Amsterdam harbour.

Visiting hours:
Tu-Su: 10AM - 5PM (daily duting the kids school holidays)

Admission: Euro 13,50

In 2007 the ship "Amsterdam" has been moved next to NEMO due to the ongoing renovation of the Maritime Museum.

During the renovation works at the Scheepvaartmuseum the replica of the VOC (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie) ship "Amsterdam" was moored by the NEMO.

The VOC "Amsterdam" is now (Sept 2011) back at the quay of the Scheepvaartmuseum, Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam.

The original Amsterdam sailed up the North Sea in 1749. In a raging storm the East Indiaman soon sank on the south coast of England. The wreck has provided archaeologists with valuable information about the construction of VOC ships, their cargoes and life on board.
This replica is very interesting for children as it shows the details of the life on board for the eight months trip to Asia.

Connoisseurs of maritime construction are not enthusiast about this replica.
In order to allow demonstrations of gun shooting the gun deck with 16 replicas had its height increased. The Dutch visitors from now are about 25 cm taller than the 18th. century crew. But to keep the overall height of the ship correct the height of the upper deck with the captain's cabin has been decreased so that only children can enter the cabin! The NEMO museum seems consequently a good place to keep this replica.

Open : Tuesday - Sunday 10 - 17 h. Also open on Monday from June to August.
Price (2011): 4 yr and more 12,50 € (big increase, was only 4 € in 2007 !)
students: 6,50 €.

New Metropolis great for kids, adults may be more impressed with the building's architecture itself, designed ny Renzo Piano.

Use Museumboot, highly recommended especially for the budget conscious, even entitles you to save up to 50% on your museum tickets, and allows your canal sightseeing tour to last all day. You can hop off at 17 different stops along the canals and jump back on any other of the Museum boat's. (they pass by every 15 mins or so) Great if you want to see where all the museums are located so you can return to them later, too.

3 more images

NEMO is the largest science center in the Netherlands, consisting of five floors.

It is located in Amsterdam right next to the central station and the Maritime Museum, above the IJtunnel. It opened in 1997.

The architecture is by Renzo Piano, a world renowned Italian architect and recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, AIA Gold Medal, Kyoto Prize and the Sonning Prize.

VIDEO of my visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Zzaz2oP7U

This ship-shape museum has gotten rave reviews ever since it's opening----the top side turns into a sunning plateau in the summer with sand and all---
a childrens museum supreme with hands on exhibits galore--this is definitely a place to take your kids if in Amsterdam together, or yourself in the summer, to the beach!
tuesday to sundays 10 to 5 pm, june thru august open every day 11.50 euros

4 more images

I've seen many science museums but so far NEMO is my favorite one. It has all the fun stuff for the kids and adults. The rooftop view is superb! You feel yourself younger here:P

It's free with I Amsterdam Card (if you have to pay 12,50€ but the roof is free for the public)