5
Rooftop Square
Green city plaza with a view
4
Humania
Discover who you are
3
Elementa
Journey from atom to planet
2
Technium
Unravel everyday technology
1
Fenomena
Experience how science works
0
Entrance Hall
Entrance, shop and lockers
Humania
How average are you, compared to other people? How does your body change throughout your life? What does your name say about you? Welcome to an exploration of humanity – your own kind! Humania offers physical tests, brainteasers and dilemmas to help you understand yourself and your species. The exhibition is divided into three themes: ‘I was’, ‘I am’, and ‘I will be’. Topics such as ‘the first time’, death and gender identity are explored with honesty, in an open and engaging way.
Curious about Humania?
You’ll find the exhibition on the top floor of NEMO. It is intended for visitors aged 12 and above. Humania explores humanity through biological, psychological and social perspectives. This exhibition addresses things that are part of being human – like gender, sexuality, consent, sexual orientation, the naked body, sex, birth and death. It invites you to think about yourself and the people around you.
Highlights of the exhibition
You will find these exhibits in Humania, on Floor 4.
A Handstand
The centrepiece of Humania is an 8.5-metre sculpture entitled A Handstand, created by Florentijn Hofman. Through this ultimate depiction of how to be upside down and inside out — the human being on the inside and the skeleton on the outside — the artist invites us to take a different look at the world around us.
Willpower
Willpower can get you further than you think. Find out how strong your willpower is. Hold the ice-cold rod as long as you can. Do you think you have the willpower to win? How long will you and your opponent last?
About death
Welcome to the dark tunnel. Explore different aspects of death and find out how people in different cultures view and cope with death. In one culture, people in mourning dress entirely in white, while in another culture people remove the deceased from their grave every year and dress them in their best clothes.
Relaxed game
Control a virtual game using your breathing, and experience how quiet, controlled breathing can help you to relax.
Physically (im)possible
Which positions can you manage to get your body into? Are there any positions you cannot hold? Test your own flexibility, strength and balance. Can you curl up the sides of your tongue or cross your eyes? Discover what remarkable things you can do – and show them off!
Partners
Humania was created with generous support from
