A rooftop venue overlooking the city is being used for a series of outdoor silent reading events aimed at encouraging people to put down their phones.
The gatherings take place on the sloping outdoor terrace of the NEMO Science Museum, where participants gather to read quietly together for an hour without digital distractions.
A phone-free community gathering
Attendees are asked to bring their own reading material, such as books, magazines, or comics, along with cushions or blankets. The rules are straightforward: phones are put away for the duration of the reading block, allowing everyone to focus on their books in silence.
After the silent hour concludes, the event transitions into an informal social gathering where participants can chat about what they are reading and meet other local residents.
Attendees are allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks, though refreshments are also available from the cafe situated on the museum’s roof.
Growing trend of offline events
The outdoor sessions are organized by The Offline Club, a Dutch initiative that hosts screen-free social events across various European cities.
The goal of the project is to create structured opportunities for people to disconnect from technology and reclaim time for hobbies like reading or face-to-face conversation.
A recent gathering on August 2 drew several hundred readers to the roof, according to organizers. The next scheduled silent reading session at the museum venue is set for August 29, with ticket reservations required in advance.
