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Mary Flanagan poseert in NEMO
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Theme: Play

In 2026, Play will take centre stage at NEMO with an exhibition on video games, play activities for adults, an online feature on NEMO Kennislink, and the arrival of game designer and distinguished professor Mary Flanagan as Artist-in-Residence.

The Power of Play

When you play, you experiment. You try things out, discover what works and learn from what goes wrong. Play stimulates curiosity and creativity, offering a safe space to explore new ideas. This fits perfectly with NEMO, where you learn about science and technology through play. In 2026, Play takes centre stage.

What's on?

NEMO offers programmes for families and also for adults, because curiosity knows no age. Expect talks, workshops and hands-on experiences. We’re still putting the finishing touches on the programme. As soon as there’s more to share, you’ll find it here.

  • people gaming together on a couch

    Exhibition: Game on

    Video games are now bigger than the film and music industries combined. But what effect do they have on us? In the exhibition Game on, you’ll discover how games are changing the way we play, socialise and express ourselves- for seasoned gamers and for people who’ve never held a controller before. The exhibition runs from 11 July to 26 October 2026.

  • A woman is browsing through pictures
    Jana Romanova

    Role-playing - Broken Archive

    Mary Flanagan and Jana Romanova are organising the first public event for adults at NEMO on Saturday afternoon, 30 May. This time: a live role-playing event centred around torn family photographs. Together with other participants, you will step into the shoes of characters from a mysterious family, act out scenes and ultimately solve the mystery. Why was the family archive destroyed, and by whom? Tickets will be available soon.

  • a man speaking on stage
    Technologierede 2024 door Peter Paul Verbeek

    Technology Lecture 2026

    Through the Technology Lecture, NEMO provides a platform for experts in the field of technology and society. Mary Flanagan will also write academic and public-facing publications on her findings and deliver the Technology Lecture on Thursday, 24 September.

Mary Flanagan playing with the Bernoulli blower

Who is Mary Flanagan?

Mary Flanagan is an author (Critical Play 2009 and Playing Oppression 2023), professor and game designer. For years, she has been researching what games do to people and what people can do with games. For her, games are not merely entertainment. They are a means of creative expression, a tool for critical thinking and a catalyst for social change.

Artist in Residence

As NEMO’s first Artist in Residence, Mary will be working from the museum for two years. She is developing new play experiences together with the public and with creators. Her approach: rapid prototyping, testing, adapting and starting afresh.