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
What can you see at The National Maritime Museum now?
Shadows on the Atlantic Ocean
This exhibition explores the impact of colonial history on people’s lives, past and present, using contemporary art, video and personal stories alongside objects from the museum collection.
VOC ship Amsterdam
The replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam remains one of the museum’s best-known attractions. On board, you can learn about life on a VOC ship and the history behind Dutch maritime trade.
Republic at Sea
More than fifty major objects in the main gallery tell the story of how the Netherlands developed as a maritime nation in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Vincent Ruijters – Crimson Gilt
In this contemporary installation, Vincent Ruijters uses the replica ship Amsterdam as a starting point to question different perspectives on VOC history.
New from October 2026
From 10 October, the museum also presents Transcripts of a Sea by photographer Stephan Vanfleteren. Temporary exhibitions and activities change regularly, so check the museum’s current agenda before travelling.
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!
Discover more landmarks and cultural places in our guide to things to see in Amsterdam.