Visit NEMO Science Museum Amsterdam I Your Ultimate Planning Guide

NEMO Museum Amsterdam at a glance

What are the NEMO Science Museum opening hours?

NEMO Science Museum welcomes visitors Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5:30pm. It usually remains closed on Mondays, except during school or public holidays.

Where is the NEMO Science Museum located?

You’ll find NEMO at Oosterdok 2 in central Amsterdam, just a short walk from Central Station, perched above the IJtunnel.

How many entrances does the NEMO Science Museum have?

The museum operates with a single main entrance, making visitor access straightforward and easy to navigate.

How many visitors does the NEMO Science Museum get per year?

Each year, about 700,000 people experience NEMO, securing its reputation as one of the Netherlands’ most-visited museums.

What are the NEMO Museum Amsterdam hours?

Opening hours: Regular hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5:30pm.
Mondays: Open on select Mondays during school holidays, public holidays, and between April and September. Special Monday openings in 2025 include September 1, October 13, 20, 27, and December 22, 29.
Special dates: Science Weekend offers free admission on October 4 and 5, 2025. Closed on April 27, 2026, for King’s Day.
Visitor info: Last entry is one hour before closing. To enjoy the five floors and rooftop, plan around 2 to 3 hours.

Best time to visit NEMO Museum Amsterdam

Best days to visit: Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday mornings, usually mean fewer crowds. It’s easier to move between exhibits and fully enjoy hands-on activities without long waits.
Best season to go: Spring and early autumn balance mild weather with fewer holiday visitors. After the museum, enjoy the nearby Oosterdok waterfront or Central Amsterdam’s outdoor spots.
Best for special events: Check the annual program for events like Science Weekend, which often offers free entry. These unique days include extra workshops, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.
Best time with kids: Arrive early in the morning. The quieter start gives children plenty of space to explore exhibits, build experiments, and enjoy interactive zones comfortably.
Best for a quiet visit: Late afternoons, about two hours before closing, tend to be calmer. You’ll find fewer school groups and more space to focus on exhibits.

Where is the NEMO Museum located?

Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam

Find on Maps

NEMO Science Museum pops up above Amsterdam’s Oosterdok like a giant green ship, right by Central Station, with sparkling waterfront views, bold modern architecture, and cultural gems just steps away.

Closest stop: Museumhaven Amsterdam (19m)

Getting to the NEMO Museum in Amsterdam

By public transport

By metro: From the Rijksmuseum, head to Vijzelgracht and take metro line 52. Get off at Centraal Station, around 1.1 km from NEMO.
By tram: From the Rijksmuseum, walk to Museumplein and take tram line 12. Exit at Centraal Station, approximately 1.1 km from NEMO.

By car

By car: Driving in central Amsterdam can be tricky, especially with limited parking near Oosterdok. The closest option is Oosterdok Parking Garage, directly beside the museum for convenient access.
On foot: From Amsterdam Central Station, it’s an easy 15-minute walk. Follow the Oosterdok waterfront, and you’ll spot NEMO’s striking ship-like building ahead.

Know before you go

Toilets: Restrooms are available on every floor for visitor convenience.
Baby changing facilities: Most toilets include baby-changing stations for families with young children.
Lactation room: Nursing parents can breastfeed in any baby-changing area.
First aid: Trained first-aid staff are available on-site at all times for emergencies.
Lockers: Lockers operate with a NEMO token or a 50-cent coin for secure storage.
Lost and found: For lost items, contact the museum via email at info@e-nemo.nl.
Gift shop: The NEMO Shop, located in the Entrance Hall, offers experiments, science books, games, gadgets, and exclusive souvenirs for all ages.

Wheelchair accessibility: The museum is wheelchair-friendly (except the rooftop) and accommodates rollators, mobility scooters, prams, and visitors with visual impairments, with ramps alongside all steps.
Wheelchairs on loan: One wheelchair is available to borrow. Reserve in advance by emailing info@e-nemo.nl.
Lifts: Elevators provide access to all floors of the museum.
Accessible toilets: Available on every floor except floor 3.
Guide dogs: Registered service dogs are welcome throughout the museum.
Ticket for the carer: Visitors needing assistance may bring a companion free of charge with a valid ID.

No entry under influence: Visitors visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry to maintain a safe environment.
Children must be accompanied: Children under 13 need an adult responsible for their behavior throughout the visit.
No blocking or obstructing: Please avoid blocking walkways or intentionally obstructing exhibit views for extended periods.
Pets not allowed except guide dogs: Only registered service or guide dogs with proper identification are permitted, including on the rooftop terrace.
No smoking or open flames: Smoking, vaping, and open flames are prohibited anywhere in or around the museum, including terraces and stairways.
Food and drinks in designated areas: Eating and drinking is allowed only in the café, restaurant, or rooftop terrace; carrying food or drinks into exhibitions is not permitted.

Book lab sessions early: The supervised labs fill quickly, especially with school groups. Reserve ahead or arrive early to enjoy hands-on experiments without missing out.
Time the Chain Reaction Show: Check the schedule in advance. Arriving a few minutes early ensures a front-row view of the fascinating Rube Goldberg sequence.
Photography hotspots: Fenomena’s light and static displays, the Maker Space setups, and rooftop water installations are best captured before crowds gather.
Rooftop timing: The rooftop can get busy and windy. Short visits are ideal with young children to enjoy views and water installations safely.
Check special Monday openings: NEMO isn’t open every Monday. Refer to the official calendar to avoid disappointment when planning holiday visits.
Combine with nearby attractions: NEMO is a 14-minute walk from canal cruises and close to the Rijksmuseum, making it easy to plan a convenient combo visit.

Museum Restaurant: Up on the rooftop, this chic spot serves hearty home-style meals with unbeatable views of Amsterdam’s skyline—a perfect pause after exploring five floors of science.
Museum Café: Tucked on the second floor, it’s ideal for sandwiches, light bites, and refreshing drinks to recharge between exhibits.
Coffee Bar: Right by the entrance, grab quality coffee, tea, or snacks to kickstart your visit or fuel your energy for hands-on fun.
Rooftop Kiosk: When the weather’s good, enjoy ice cream and drinks on the terrace while watching water installations and soaking in panoramic city views.

Frequently Asked Questions about NEMO Museum Amsterdam

How long should I plan to stay at NEMO?

Allocate about 2–3 hours to explore all five floors, the rooftop, and enjoy interactive experiments without feeling rushed.

Can I use my public transport card for entry?

No, admission requires a separate ticket, though public transport cards are convenient for reaching the museum quickly and efficiently.

Is there a best floor to start exploring?

Starting from the bottom floor and working upward allows a smooth flow through historical artifacts, interactive experiments, and modern science zones.

How busy is the rooftop during peak season?

The rooftop can get crowded and windy in summer; early visits ensure better access to water installations and panoramic views.

Can I combine my visit with nearby attractions?

Absolutely. The museum is a 14-minute walk from canal cruises and close to the Rijksmuseum, ideal for combo planning.

Are there places to take a break mid-visit?

Yes, the café, restaurant, and rooftop kiosk offer food, drinks, and seating areas to recharge before returning to exhibits.

Are there any seasonal activities I shouldn’t miss?

Events like Science Weekend, workshops, and rooftop energy experiments offer unique, hands-on learning opportunities that differ throughout the year.