theinsider

Het Scheepvaartmuseum is Amsterdam’s premier maritime museum, offering a deep dive into over 500 years of Dutch maritime history, and showing how water has shaped Dutch culture, trade, and life.

What to Expect

Historic Building: The museum is housed in a grand 17th-century former naval storehouse built in 1656. It served the Admiralty of Amsterdam and stored ship equipment, sails, and weapons.
Renovation & Architecture: After a major renovation from 2007-2011, the museum was redesigned to improve visitor flow. A striking feature is the glass roof over the inner courtyard, made of around 1,200 glass panels, inspired by compass charts.
Collections & Exhibits: Expect to see a large collection of ship models, navigational instruments, maps, paintings, ship decorations, and artifacts related to the VOC (Dutch East India Company). There is also a full-scale replica of the 18th-century VOC ship Amsterdam moored alongside the museum that visitors can board.
Interactive & Themed Exhibitions: The museum hosts both permanent exhibitions—such as Republic at Sea (telling how the Netherlands became a major maritime power) and Amsterdam Port & City (covering the relationship between the port and the city)—as well as temporary displays. Some special exhibits let you walk on deck, explore the captain’s cabin, or use VR experiences.

Practical Information & Tips

Facilities: The museum has a café-restaurant overlooking the water, a museum shop, free lockers in the basement for bags/coats, and a library. The courtyard is often used as an event space.
Ticket Prices: Adults (18 years and up): €18.50; Children (13-17 years): €8.50; Children 12 years and under: Free.
Accessabilitie: It is accessible for people with disabilities. All exhibitions and facilities can be reached by lift. The East Indiaman Amsterdam is partiallly accessible by a special lift. Visitors who are unable to independently navigate through the museum may bring one companion with them for free.

Why Visit

It offers a rich, immersive experience of how maritime trade, exploration, and navigation shaped the Netherlands.
The combination of historical objects, ship replicas, maps, and interactive elements makes it engaging for both adults and families.
Visiting the museum is also a chance to enjoy a beautiful historic building and a pleasant setting near the waterside, plus access to cultural areas nearby.

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