Mary Flanegan first Artist in Residence NEMO

Amsterdam, 21 April 2026

In 2026, the theme of Play takes center stage. Because play is not a distraction from science—it is science in action. When you play, you experiment: you try things out, discover what works, and learn from what goes wrong. With a temporary exhibition on video games, programming for adults, and inspiring online content, NEMO explores the power, potential, and joy of play. At the heart of this program is American game designer, researcher and professor Mary Flanagan, who will be affiliated with NEMO as Artist in Residence for two years. Her residency aligns with NEMO’s ambition to help adults experience the power of play as well. 

Mary Flanagan is the author of Critical Play (2009) and Playing Oppression (2023). For years, she has been exploring the meaning of play and how games contribute to a better world. Games offer not only entertainment but are also a means of creative expression, a tool for critical thinking, or an instrument for social change. Mary argues that games can be transformative on both a personal and societal level. “Play is a powerful platform for thinking, feeling, belonging - and, for me, art practice.”, says Mary. “Giving ourselves permission to play creates a sandbox that lets us interrogate, rewrite, and re-imagine the rules shaping our realities.”

During her time at NEMO, she will develop new play experiences in collaboration with the public, creators, and the city of Amsterdam. Her approach is iterative and research-driven: rapid prototyping, testing, and adaptation. Mary will also write scientific and public-facing publications about her findings and deliver the Technologierede on September 24th, 2026. With the Technologierede, NEMO provides a platform for experts in the field of technology and society.

This is the first time NEMO Science Museum has welcomed an Artist in Residence. With Mary’s arrival, play will be viewed from a new perspective. NEMO is known for teaching science and technology through play. Géke Roelink, Executive Director of NEMO Science Museum: “Play stimulates curiosity and creativity. It offers space to explore new ideas, think flexibly, and build mental resilience. And that is especially important in our complex, rapidly changing world.”

In the coming weeks, more details will be shared about specific activities related to the theme of Play. The launch of the online theme is scheduled for mid-June. In the run-up to that, the first productions are already appearing, including the podcast episode “Does Gaming Make You Smarter?” (May 7) and an interview with Mary Flanagan.

The Broken Archive

On Saturday afternoon, May 30, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Mary’s first public event will take place: The Broken Archive—a role-playing event about family relationships and generational trauma, with invited artist Jana Romanova. 

Game On Exhibition

From July 11 through October 26, the exhibition Game On will be on view at NEMO. In this exhibition, you’ll discover how video games are changing the way we play, interact, and express ourselves. For seasoned gamers and for people who have never held a controller. 

More information: www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/en/theme-play

Onderstaand beeldmateriaal mag gebruikt worden in publicaties met credit vermelding. Voor een interviewverzoek, persbezoek, ander beeldmateriaal of hogere resoluties: mail Chrissy Minnema via pers@e-nemo.nl of bel 020 - 53 13 128.