Maritime Museum Amsterdam

Highlights

• Explore Dutch maritime history
• Step on board a replica 18th century Dutch East India cargo ship
• Experience Amsterdam's historic harbour in Virtual Reality

Maritime history of the Netherlands

The National Maritime Museum (het Scheepvaartmuseum in Dutch) in Amsterdam is dedicated to the Netherlands’ legendary naval history. The museum contains an impressive maritime collection of historical objects including weapons, paintings, world maps, navigation instruments and scale models.

The National Maritime Museum is housed in the impressive former arsenal of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, which dates back to 1656. The courtyard now features an elaborate glass ceiling with a design reminiscent of a compass rose. The National Maritime Museum is one of the country’s most visited museums, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Discover and experience 500 years of naval domination

The Maritime Museum will give you a glimpse into Holland’s long and prosperous relation to the sea. The museum's exhibits are both in and outside the building. At the jetty there are several ships, some of which you can board, such as the replica Dutch East Indiaman ship Amsterdam. The museum also features several other exhibits and an extensive collection of historical artefacts from the Dutch Golden Age.

When you've stepped aboard the VOC ship Amsterdam you can also travel back in time to the Golden Age with the Dare to Discover VR journey. This virtual journey takes you on a flight over the historic harbour of 17th century Amsterdam. You'll experience how the harbour flourished, see how new land emerged from the sea and merchants from different countries brought in and ship out their goods. The VR tour starts every 15 minutes and is suitable for children of 7 years and up.

Book your National Maritime Museum tickets online!

Book your tickets to the National Maritime Museum on our website to guarantee entry! Tickets also include fast-track admission to the museum, so you won’t have to wait at the entrance. There is a free audio-tour available in Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

There are a number of special exhibitions geared towards children which make the museum fun and interesting for all ages. The National Maritime Museum is a fascinating attraction, don’t miss it on your next trip to the Netherlands!