NEMO Science Museum

NEMO originated from the "Museum of Labor" (Museum van den Arbeid) founded in 1923. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was known as the "Dutch Institute for Industry and Technology" (Nederlands Instituut voor Nijverheid en Techniek). In the late 1980s, there was an idea in the Netherlands to create a science center that would spark an interest in science and technology from an early age. Renzo Piano, the legendary Italian architect known for designing the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Kansai International Airport in Japan, was invited to bring this idea to life. The construction lasted six years, and in the summer of 1997, the museum was inaugurated by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Two years later, the museum faced financial difficulties and underwent bankruptcy proceedings. It was then reorganized and renamed the National Center for Science and Technology.

Architect Renzo Piano worked in the high-tech style, which is immediately apparent from both the interior and exterior of the building. The structure resembles a ship with its bow raised and a flat roof hidden behind fencing. It is situated on an artificially created island adjacent to a bridge, giving the impression that the ship is docked at the shore of a bay. Initially, the walls were copper-colored but have faded to a greenish hue over time. Inside, the space is divided into four levels with rooms stylized as cabins and decks. Exposed ventilation pipes, functional details, steel walls, and other elements are on display. At night, bright artificial lighting is turned on.

The exhibition is primarily dedicated to the interplay of science and art as expressions of human creativity. Visitors engage with interactive displays, demonstrations, and performances. The permanent exhibition at the NEMO museum spans three floors. Here, visitors can embark on an exciting journey into the worlds of biomedicine and information technology. Thanks to the "Phenomena" attraction, children playfully learn about sound, light, energy, and even the theory of relativity.

The museum contains numerous exhibits made from everyday materials, allowing visitors to literally understand how the world works and why processes occur as they do. The exhibits come to life only when they are spun, turned, and hit, so upon entering NEMO, one must forget the typical museum rule of "Do Not Touch!" Touching is definitely encouraged.

The first floor is devoted to natural phenomena and science, the second to modern technologies, the third to space themes with interactive exhibits and chemical experiments. The fourth floor introduces visitors to human consciousness and the animal world. The building's roof offers a restaurant with a city view and interactive entertainment, such as a sun-activated cascade.