Het Scheepvaartmuseum

Overview

The National Maritime Museum is housed in a 1656 admiralty warehouse on Amsterdam's eastern waterfront. It explores 500 years of Dutch maritime history with interactive exhibits and a full-scale replica of an 18th-century VOC ship.

Highlights

• VOC Ship Amsterdam: A climbable full-size replica of a Dutch East India Company vessel.
• Tale of the Whale: A multimedia exhibit on whaling and marine ecology.
• Royal Barge: The ornate golden barge used for ceremonial occasions.

History

The building was the Amsterdam Admiralty's warehouse from 1656 until 1973. After a major renovation, it reopened as the maritime museum in 2011.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Don't miss the virtual reality experience onboard the VOC ship.
• Tip 2: The harbour area outside is free and scenic for photos.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.