From the water
This is the science centre of Amsterdam and the largest science museum in the Netherlands. There are many science experiences made especially for kids, to make them more interested in science. It was founded in 1923 and designed by Renzo Piano in 1997. The construction of NEMO presented the Italian architect with a major challenge: the museum had to be built on top of a tunnel. The curvature of the tunnel acted as a foundation and was also the inspiration for the curved shape of the building itself. In a kind of mathematical mirror image of the traffic descending into the tunnel, the architect designed a building that seems to rise out of the water. You can also visit the café on the roof terrace without a ticket and enjoy the rooftop view over Amsterdam until six in the evening.
The story behind it
The green copper building that rises out of the water like the bow of a ship was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and opened in 1997. It sits directly above the entrance of the IJ tunnel.
Inside, NEMO is a hands-on science museum loved by children and adults alike. Its sloping roof is a free public square with one of the best panoramic views over the old city.
On your cruise
This is stop 8 of 23 on the Friendship route. Before this you passed The Shipping House, and the boat continues towards The National Maritime Museum. Your skipper will point it out as you pass — keep your camera ready, because from the water you see details that are easily missed from the street.
Want to see it in person? All our cruises follow the heart of this route, and with a private cruise you can even ask your skipper to linger a little longer at your favourite spots.
