Science Museum

Science museums in Amsterdam are punchier than the term suggests — NEMO Science Museum on Oosterdok occupies a Renzo Piano-designed building shaped like the bow of a ship rising out of the IJ, with five floors of hands-on physics, chemistry and engineering exhibits and a freely-accessible stepped rooftop offering one of the best harbour views in the city. ARTIS-Micropia in Plantage is the world’s only microbe museum, dedicated entirely to bacteria, viruses and the invisible biological world. Both are family-strong but work just as well for adults travelling solo. This archive collects them and any newer additions. Each listing covers age range, average visit length, and whether advance tickets are recommended.