It started in 1923 as ‘the Museum of Labor in Amsterdam’, but today we know it as Nemo. The science museum has existed for 100 years, and that anniversary was celebrated last night with a spectacular show on the water.
The museum was founded in 1923 by painter and collector Herman Heijenbrock from his junk attic. The aim was to let ordinary citizens, especially children, learn more about developments in technology. Before Nemo ended up at its current location on Oosterdok, the museum was known at many locations. The building above the IJtunnel was only opened in 1997. Since then it has been the unique location of the museum.
Rocket into the sky
The anniversary was celebrated last night with, how could it be otherwise, a number of large-scale tests. For example, a rocket was shot into the air and it was demonstrated how a vacuum works using a large boat and a vacuum cleaner. The many children on the quays watched the tests with wide eyes. “The very last thing with that rocket was the best,” said one of them.
Science journalist Anna Gimbrère was allowed to present the show and, just like the children, she was impressed by the experiments. “It was really cool and I also found it a bit exciting with such tests. I have never seen it on this scale.”
Mayor and minister
The anniversary celebration also included a large number of visitors to the museum. Mayor Femke Halsema and Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf were present at the tests. The mayor even gave the museum a municipal award. “Science, just like the free press, the independent judiciary and the protection of the rights of minorities, is a foundation of our society. And that is why we also cherish this science museum.”
This weekend, due to the anniversary and the Festival of Curiosity, Nemo is free to enter and there is plenty to do.
2023-12-09 16:44:52
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