A history of NEMO

In 1923, artist Herman Heijenbrock founded the Labour Museum. In 1954, the museum changed its name to the Netherlands Institute for Industry and Technology (NINT). These institutions, housed on Rozengracht and Tolstraat in Amsterdam, paved the way for NEMO. A deep love of science and technology. An inspired and ambitious team of directors and employees. These are the central themes in NEMO’s 100-year history.

How it all began: 1923

Belief in progress

Herman Heijenbrock was an industrial artist: his themes were technology and labour. He wanted his museum to showcase his vast collection of objects and paintings. He was also keen to communicate his enthusiasm for technology to young visitors.

Personal fascinations

In addition to industrialisation and a belief in progress, the themes of the museum reflected its founder’s personal fascinations. It never quite outgrew its origins as Heijenbrock’s personal collection. Partly due to the economic crisis of the 1930s and World War II, the museum was unable to develop into a national museum of technology.

The NINT: 1954-1983

The reconstruction years: 1945-1970

In the years of reconstruction that followed World War II, industry is seen as the driving force behind economic growth. A new board and a new director, W. Heldoorn, go in search of a new name for the museum. It becomes the Netherlands Institute for Industry and Technology (NINT).

The NINT’s aim is to get children excited about working in the world of industry and technology. Its exhibitions recreate the halls of industry and feature photographs, products, models and diagrams. The NINT also screens films on technology for young audiences and invites parents to attend information evenings about their children’s study and career prospects.

Middle ground: 1970-1983

In the 1970s, belief in progress begins to falter.Society becomes increasingly critical of technology and industry. The NINT therefore decides to adopt a more neutral position. This middle ground involves complementing the education offered in schools and colleges: physics, chemistry, engineering and the brand new phenomenon of computing.

From 1979, there is a greater focus on the American approach to science centres with their emphasis on fun and play as a way of introducing children to technology. In the early 1980s, a new management team introduces a science theatre and a technology playground for very young children. This move is in perfect synch with the times. In 1983, the Institute relocates from Rozengracht to Tolstraat.

A new direction: 1988 - 1999

Towards a science centre

From 1988, under the leadership of its new director Joost Douma, the NINT enters a new era. A dedicated organisation sets out to attract widespread support and financial backing. Inside the museum, the ground-floor exhibitions in the Tolstraat building are transformed into the beginnings of a science centre.

NewMetropolis

In 1997, after years of preparation, NewMetropolis opens its doors in Amsterdam’s Oosterdok. Its home – a spectacular, green and innovative building on top of the IJtunnel – is the perfect expression of the museum’s new direction. NewMetropolis aims to equip visitors of all ages with new skills through games and interactive exhibits. The initiative attracts widespread praise and attention at home and abroad, but within 18 months significant operating deficits necessitatea new approach.

A focus on science: 2000 - 2022

The full scientific spectrum

Under the leadership of its new director Michiel Buchel, appointed in 2003, the museum’s focus on science is stronger than ever. NewMetropolis changes its name to NEMO Science Centre and later to NEMO Science Museum. Everyone is welcome to find out all about science by discovering it for themselves. Science doesn’t just mean physics, chemistry and biology: all fields of science have the power to fascinate. It’s an approach that offers endless inspiration: exhibitions, special programmes, events (at the museum and beyond its walls), a journalism platform and, of course, the historical heritage collection.

Growing popularity

The museum continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors. NEMO consistently features among the country’s top five most popular museums, and more and more people are finding the NEMO brand online and in education.

Into the future: 2023 - the present

In 2023, NEMO celebrates its centenary. Under the directorship of Géke Roelink, NEMO opens its doors wider than ever. Everyone is welcome to explore science and technology and take on the challenges of today and tomorrow. To come together and seek solutions to the major issues of our time: scarce resources, climate change, biotechnology, new connectivity, artificial intelligence and so much more.