NEMO Science Museum: Tickets and Tours

The NEMO Science Museum provides a day of discovery and wonderment for inquisitive minds of all ages. This state-of-the-art facility houses numerous interactive exhibitions that are as fun as they are educational.

NEMO Science Museum tickets are easy to book online, but they do tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season. The little extra effort of booking ahead is a small price to pay for 14 fun and interactive exhibitions.

The museum is centrally located in Amsterdam, making it a perfect stop during a day of exploration. Other nearby museums worth visiting are the Rembrandt House Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the famous Van Gogh Museum.

Here's all you need to know about NEMO Science Museum, one of the most exciting museums in Amsterdam.

How much do NEMO Science Museum tickets cost?

While there’s no difference in cost for adults and children, visitors to the museum can rest assured that the price is well worth paying.

This is due to the interactive element of the exhibitions and the fact that the museum is extremely well-maintained.

• Adults (aged 4 and above): €17.50 per person
• Infants (below age 4): free of charge

How do you skip the line?

Fast-track tickets to the NEMO Science Museum allow you to skip the queue when you arrive at the museum. This is especially handy during Amsterdam’s peak tourist season or when the official website suffers due to high volumes of traffic.

The cost of the tickets is exactly the same, but instead of physical tickets, you’ll receive a QR code that will grant you entry to the NEMO Science Museum.

Who is eligible for discounts?

Discounts are available to students as well as certain card holders, like the Amsterdam City Card or the Museumkaart. Carers who accompany differently-abled persons are also allowed to enter free of charge.

• Students with a university card: €8.75
• Individuals with European Youth Card: €8.75
• Amsterdam City Card: free
• Museumkaart: free
• Stadspas Amsterdam: free

Should you book in advance?

Definitely. Because of the popularity of the NEMO Science Museum, especially as a family-friendly attraction, tickets can sell out rather quickly.

Another advantage of booking your tickets in advance is the fact that you won’t need to queue to buy tickets once you arrive at the museum.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including the NEMO Science Museum and other attractions?

Combining different museums and activities provides travelers with a more comprehensive experience, as well as better value for money.

• NEMO Science Museum plus 1-hour canal cruise:

If you want to supersize your NEMO Science Museum experience, a combination tour with an hour-long Amsterdam canal cruise is the perfect solution.

After spending the day coming to grips with the wonders of the universe, you’ll hop on a canal boat with a glass roof.

This will grant you unobstructed views of Amsterdam’s canals as you explore the city that was, and remains, a breeding ground for innovation.

Discover the hidden history of Amsterdam, and learn how a small town built on a swamp grew into one of the most spectacular cities in the world.

Your canal tour will take you past various buildings dating back to Amsterdam’s Golden Age, as well as landmarks like the Madame Tussauds, the tours to Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum.

You’ll be able to indicate your preferred time slot when booking. The NEMO museum and canal cruise combination ticket costs €30 per adult (age 14 and above) and €25 for children between 4 and 14.

Children aged below 4 are free of charge.

What will you see inside?

The NEMO Science Museum celebrates all things technological — showcasing 14 interactive exhibitions with the mission of making learning fun.

The museum is perfect for children and adults alike making it a great option for a family outing — or as a cure for one of Amsterdam's rainy days.

Allow 4 to 5 hours to fully explore all of the exhibitions and don’t forget to visit the free rooftop. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Amstel river and Amsterdam.

• Humania: This exhibition chronicles the history of the human race from a scientific perspective. Physical activities and brain teasers combine to cast light on how the human brain works.
• Sensational Science: Everything operates in accordance with the laws of physic — and in this exhibition, you’ll discover that our senses are simply the way our body experiences the effects of these laws.
• World of Shapes: Just as everything in the world subscribes to the laws of physics, everything in the world can be described in terms of mathematics. This exhibition breathes new life into the world of numbers through wonderful experiments and optical illusions.
• The Machine: Take control of a fully functional robot arm as you master the logistics of a supply chain. Gain a deeper insight into all of the machinations that go into same-day delivery and the other modern marvels that we take for granted.
• Energetica: This outdoor exhibition shows how the power of wind, water and the sun can be harnessed to create a brighter future. This exhibition is on the roof of the NEMO Science Museum and can be accessed free of charge.
• Life in the Universe: Travel to the farthest reaches of the cosmos and discover what needs to happen for life to occur. Then try and recreate those conditions in a lab and touch and even examine a real-life meteorite.
• The Laboratory: In the laboratory, the minds of tomorrow get the chance of donning a white lab coat and playing scientist. Mix common household items together to discover their hidden properties, all in a safe environment.
• Energize: The energize exhibition uses fun games to illustrate exactly what goes on when energy is transformed from one form to another. Challenge yourself and your young ones as you try and transfer as much energy as possible.

How to get there?

The NEMO Science Museum is located in central Amsterdam close to the National Maritime Museum and the Rembrandt House Museum. It’s a short walk from most attractions in Amsterdam and it’s just around the corner from the Central Station.

What are the opening times?

The NEMO Science Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM throughout the year.

The museum will open on Mondays during Dutch school holidays and public holidays. King’s Day (27 April) is the only public holiday when the NEMO Museum will be closed.

When is the best time to visit the NEMO Science Museum?

The best time to visit the museum is early in the morning on weekends — this will allow you to enjoy the museum without the fairly large school groups that visit during the week.

The best time of the year to visit Amsterdam is either April or September, with the latter being the better option of the two. During September you’ll encounter fewer tourists while still enjoying pleasant weather.

Which other museums can be visited in Amsterdam?

• Rijksmuseum
• Moco Museum
• Madame Tussauds
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not
• Amsterdam Dungeon
• Body Worlds
• National Maritime Museum
• Amsterdam Museum

Travel tips

• The NEMO Science Museum is a prime destination for school groups and families and therefore tickets tend to sell out quickly.
• Consider booking a fast-track ticket a couple of days in advance. A fast-track ticket will also allow you to skip the ticket-purchasing queue at the museum.
• Allow between 4 and 5 hours to fully explore the activities and exhibitions.
• The Amsterdam City Card provides great discounts for various attractions in Amsterdam, saving you time and money.
• If you use the Amsterdam City Card, you will still need to book a time and date on the museum’s official website.
• Remember to take your university card to qualify for the student discount.