The National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam offers a fascinating journey through five centuries of Dutch maritime history. With one of the largest and most prominent maritime collections in the world, this museum is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in the connection between the past, present, and future of Dutch shipping.
Book your tickets for the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam here
Highlights of The National Maritime Museum
Food for thought
- Date: 3 November 2023 to 5 January 2025
- Description: This exhibition takes you into the world of food production and consumption through the lens of photographer and filmmaker Kadir van Lohuizen. Discover how food influences our lives and reflect on the role of food in our society.
Icons on the water
- Date: 27 July to 9 August 2024
- Description: Come to The National Maritime Museum and follow the final races of the Olympic water sports live. View the racing boats up close in the Open Square and experience the excitement of the races.
Summer holiday at the National Maritime Museum
- Description: During the summer holidays, there is plenty to experience at The National Maritime Museum. Whether you come with your family or alone, there are numerous activities and exhibitions to explore. Don’t miss this chance to spend your summer in an educational and fun way.
Queer & pride
- Description: Celebrate Queer & Pride Amsterdam at The National Maritime Museum. This event offers a colourful and inclusive celebration of diversity and equality. Enjoy special exhibitions and activities highlighting the LGBTQ+ community.
Permanent Exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum
VOC ship Amsterdam
- Description: Visit the impressive replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam. Onboard, you will learn everything about the ships of the Dutch East India Company and their influence on world history. Reflect on the colonial past and think about the future.
Republic at sea
- Description: This exhibition tells the story of the Netherlands as a maritime nation in the 17th and 18th centuries. With over 50 masterpieces, including paintings, artefacts, and ship models, you get a comprehensive view of how the Netherlands built its maritime power.
The Solebay tapestries
- Description: Discover the impressive life-sized tapestries depicting scenes from the Battle of Solebay. Designed by Willem van de Velde the Elder, these tapestries offer a unique perspective on this historic naval battle.
Cartography & curiosities
- Description: This exhibition portrays the discovery of new worlds through centuries-old maps and peculiar finds. See how Dutch sailors from the 17th century found their way and explored new territories.
Navigation instruments
- Description: Admire a collection of centuries-old navigation instruments such as cross-staffs and sextants. Learn how sailors have navigated under the starry sky through the ages.
Steamship Christiaan Brunings
- Description: This floating monument from 1900 is docked at the museum’s pier. Volunteers are ready to tell you all about this historic steamship and its function as an icebreaker.
Amsterdam port city
- Description: This exhibition tells the story of the development of the Port of Amsterdam from the construction of the dam in the Amstel to the modern port of today.
Diver Doris (2+)
- Description: An adventurous and interactive exhibition for the youngest visitors from 2 years old. This playful exhibition offers a maritime experience for the whole family.
The story of the whale
- Description: Learn all about the whale, from whaling to its current status as a protected species. This interactive exhibition offers an in-depth look at this majestic marine mammal.
Royal barge
- Description: Admire the most graceful ship in the museum’s collection, the royal barge, commissioned by King William I 200 years ago.
Ship ornaments
- Description: Discover the beauty and craftsmanship of unique wooden ship ornaments and decorations.
Practical Information about the National Maritime Museum Amsterdam
Visiting Address: The National Maritime Museum, Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam
Opening Hours of the National Maritime Museum Amsterdam
- Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00
Parking at the National Maritime Museum Amsterdam
- Bicycle: Ample parking space for bicycles nearby.
- Car: Parking is available in the Markenhoven, Oosterdok, and Oostenburgereiland parking garages. Electric charging stations are available in the area.
- Public Transport: From P+R Zeeburg, take tram 26 towards Central Station, stop at Kattenburgerstraat. The museum is within walking distance from Central Station.
Additional Facilities at the National Maritime Museum
- Free audio guides available in various languages.
- Child-friendly facilities such as a playroom and creative workshop.
- The Sjöhistoriska Café is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 16:00.
Book your tickets for the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam here
Plan your visit to The National Maritime Museum and immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of the Netherlands!