NEMO (National Center for Science and Technology)
NEMO Science Museum, located in the heart of Amsterdam, was commissioned to provide an engaging, interactive space that would make science accessible and exciting for all ages. Opened in 1997, the museum’s striking design by Renzo Piano Building Workshop responds to the city's modern growth while honoring its rich cultural context. With five floors dedicated to hands-on exhibitions, it serves as the largest science center in the Netherlands. Drawing over 700,000 visitors annually, NEMO fosters curiosity, innovation, and a deeper understanding of the world through interactive exploration.
Re-inventing the relationship between infrastructure and city
The NEMO site is located in the heart of Amsterdam, near the railway station, the Maritime Museum, and the Zoo. The museum is situated above the entrance of an underwater road tunnel, a significant civil engineering achievement from the 1960s, projecting into the harbor. As the tunnel descends below the harbor from the city, a pedestrian ramp rises above the water, offering a panoramic view of the city center. The museum occupies the wedge-shaped space between these two elements, integrating the infrastructure with its design.
The building serves as a bridge between the historic scale of central Amsterdam and the openness of the harbor. At the pier level, visitors arrive via a pedestrian bridge from the railway station or by water taxi, entering through the main hall. Alternatively, the roof terrace provides a secondary entrance, welcoming those who access the museum directly from the ascending ramp.
A flexible museum for varied temporary and permanent exhibits
Inside the museum, the atmosphere is intentionally frugal and simple, ensuring the focus remains on the exhibits rather than the building itself. Natural light penetrates the open central space, enhancing orientation and providing a clear sense of direction for visitors. Following the model of leading American and European initiatives, the museum offers both temporary and permanent exhibitions covering themes such as communication, energy, humanity, phenomena, and technology, all presented through interactive display techniques to engage and educate visitors.
Focus on education, interactivity and fostering a relationship to the adjacent waterfront.
The museum's roof hosts interactive installations that harness wind, sunlight, and water, creating an engaging and educational experience. The facade, clad in oxidized green copper, was selected for its low maintenance, durability, lightness, and strength. Beyond its technical benefits, the material symbolizes the application of science and technology. The reflective facade interacts dynamically with its surroundings, mirroring colors and activity along the pier, enhancing the connection between the museum and its vibrant environment.
Project Details
Status
Client
NINT
Design
Renzo Piano Building Workshop, architects
Preliminary Phase (1992)
Design Team
O. de Nooyer (partner in charge), S. Ishida (partner) with H. Yamaguchi, J. Fujita, A. Gallo, M. Alvisi and Y. Yamaoka, E. Piazze, A. Recagno, K. Shannon, F. Wenz; I. Corte, D. Guerrisi (CAD Operators); D. Cavagna (models)
Consultants
Ove Arup & Partners, D3BN (structure); Ove Arup & Partners, Huisman en Van Muijen B. V. (services); Peutz (acoustics); Bureau voor Bouwkunde (local support)
Development and Construction phase (1994–1997)
Design Team
O. de Nooyer (partner in charge), S. Ishida (partner) with J. Backus, A. Hayes, H. Penaranda, H. Van Der Meys, J. Woltjer
Consultants
D3BN (structure); Huisman en Van Muijen B. V. (services); Peutz (acoustics); Bureau voor Bouwkunde (local consulting architect)