Amsterdam
Open now

Game On: Exploring the Evolution and Cultural Influence of Video Games

Experience decades of gaming history through interactive play and scientific insights into human behavior.

Game On investigates the expansive world of video games as both an art form and a global cultural phenomenon. Visitors can engage with a diverse range of consoles and arcade machines while uncovering the science behind how play impacts creativity and connection. This interactive exhibition bridges the gap between classic entertainment and modern digital innovation.

About Game On at NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Game On at NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

Game On explores the evolution of video games and their profound influence on modern society, art, and personal connection. The exhibition offers visitors of all skill levels the opportunity to play both classic arcade machines and modern consoles while investigating the science behind how games impact human behavior, emotions, and creativity.

Curatorial context

The exhibition Game On delves into the expansive world of gaming, examining its role as a global industry that now rivals music and film in scale. Visitors are invited to experience this evolution firsthand, ranging from early 1990s Nintendo classics to the latest PlayStation 5 titles. The exhibition frames gaming not just as a pastime, but as a medium that fosters social connection, creativity, and problem-solving skills, while also providing a space to test your own high scores on various arcade machines and consoles. Beyond the opportunity to play, the exhibition provides a scientific perspective on the gaming experience. It highlights research into how video games affect our emotions, behavior, and even pain perception. Guests can explore the artistic aspects of the medium, the culture of cosplay, and the professional careers within the industry, making the exhibition an engaging experience for both dedicated gamers and those new to the medium.

Admission and ticket notes

Tickets for the NEMO Science Museum can be purchased via the official museum website. Visitors are encouraged to book their tickets online in advance to ensure entry to the museum and its current exhibitions, including Game On located in the Theater on the second floor.

Game On key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Game On at NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam

Venue
NEMO Science Museum
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Jul 10, 2026
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition features collaborative content, including workshops developed in partnership with Cinekid and Copotato, games created by students from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS), and a mini-exhibition on gaming professions developed in collaboration with Guerrilla Games.
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