Live Music and City Views: Summer on the NEMO Science Museum Rooftop in Amsterdam
Starting in late June 2026, the rooftop of the NEMO Science Museum will transform into an open-air stage every Thursday evening, offering visitors free live performances alongside panoramic views of Amsterdam. Organized in partnership with Stichting GRAP, an organization dedicated to supporting the Amsterdam pop music scene, the weekly events showcase a diverse range of local bands and solo artists.
What to Expect at NEMO's Summer Music Evenings
Every Thursday from June 25 to August 20, 2026, the rooftop square hosts live music sessions from 17:30 to 21:00. The atmosphere combines relaxed summer vibes with eclectic sounds, ranging from global grooves and synth-pop to brass bands and hip-hop.
The performances are designed to introduce visitors to fresh talent emerging from the local music scene, set against the backdrop of the city's historic skyline.
Program Highlights and Weekly Lineup
The summer lineup features a broad selection of genres, ensuring a different musical experience each week:
- June 25: Global fusion collective Trackvogels performs alongside Min Taka, an artist blending indie, liquid drum and bass, and hyperpop.
- July 2: A night of danceable Dutch new wave from Frank Arnold and energetic, minimalist grooves from the Dutch/Italian duo Gonzo Bimbo.
- July 9: Conceptual geo-pop from Flevoland and a genre-bending mix of funk, disco, and afrobeat from Cavolo Nero.
- July 16: Energetic, brass-heavy performances by the multi-piece brass band Mototroko and the high-energy collective Fata Morgana.
- July 23: New wave melodies from Cardigan Inn paired with the classic, guitar-driven power pop of Plastic Family.
- July 30: Experimental electronic tracks by WABR and bold Dutch hyper-pop from IDA.
- August 6: Dreamy, genre-fluid rap and vocals from stay away from dante! alongside Amazone’s blend of Kawina, Kaseko, and R&B.
- August 13: Instrumental global funk and surf-rock soul from the trio Cocobolo.
- August 20: The series concludes with poetic hip-hop from Rens & Jaïr and brass-infused grooves from Karafaan.
Planning Your Visit to the Rooftop Square
Attending the music evenings is straightforward, as entry to the rooftop square is entirely free of charge. Visitors do not need to enter the main museum exhibition spaces to access the event.
You can reach the rooftop by climbing the outdoor steps directly from the street level or by taking the lift located in the museum's main reception hall. The rooftop restaurant and the ground-floor kiosk terrace remain open throughout the evening, offering food and drinks to enjoy during the performances.
For official updates, announcements, and media assets, visit the NEMO Science Museum press section.
To discover more cultural events and plan your next destination in the city, let Musemap (musemap.art) help you find local spots. You can easily browse museums nearby or check out what's on in Amsterdam to make the most of your journey.
