Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum
Het Scheepvaartmuseum
Maritime Museum Amsterdam
The seventeenth century—the Dutch Golden Age—when Amsterdam rose to become one of the world’s most important trading centres, is closely linked with shipping. In the main gallery of the Maritime Museum, the history of this era is brought to life through magnificent paintings and original artefacts from shipping and trade.
My Rating:
The Positives:
If you say A for Amsterdam, you also have to say B for Boat! The Netherlands is a true seafaring nation—wherever you go, you see water and boats. It’s a must-visit not only for sailing enthusiasts and maritime fans, but also for families with children and lovers of art and culture.
The Negatives:
The museum can be a little confusing. You’ll need some time to get your bearings and search a bit to find the exhibition highlights. But that’s exactly why you’re here—we’ve got you covered!
Tip:
Don’t forget to visit the VOC sailing ship! An absolute must-do!
Last Modified: 25.03.2026 | Céline & Sophie
Maritime Museum Amsterdam
Tickets
The details
at a glance
Maritime Museum Amsterdam
Photo Gallery
What is there
to see?
The seventeenth century—the Dutch Golden Age—when Amsterdam rose to become one of the world’s most important trading centres, is closely linked with shipping. In the main gallery of the Maritime Museum, the history of this era is brought to life through magnificent paintings and original artefacts from shipping and trade.
However, the highlight of any visit is visible even before you enter the museum: right outside on the dock beside the main gallery sits a detailed replica of the VOC sailing ship Amsterdam (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie = Dutch East India Company). On board the Amsterdam, visitors gain insight into the life of a sailor—how they slept, ate, and worked. It’s easy to feel like a child again, shouting: “Aye, aye, Captain!” You can even experience a flight over 17th-century Amsterdam Harbour through a virtual reality headset.
Opposite the Amsterdam is the royal barge, a richly decorated rowing boat commissioned by King Willem I in 1816, which has since been used by the royal family on numerous state visits and other official occasions.
Another perhaps underrated highlight is the “Maps and Curiosities” exhibition in the main building. Here, you can admire many impressive world maps created by Amsterdam cartographers in the 17th century, showing how people at the time imagined the world. These centuries-old maps are not only fascinating for their details but also beautiful in their aesthetic alone. The exhibition also features various artefacts and souvenirs brought back by sailors from all over the world.
Beyond the core collection, the museum’s north, east, and west wings host a variety of exhibitions that are not just for viewing, but also for interacting—making it an experience for both young and old.
Not only seasoned sailors will appreciate the many beautiful and meticulously crafted ship models and navigation instruments. In the cosy museum lounge, visitors can browse a large collection of old photo albums, discovering the memories sailors brought home at the dawn of photography.
All in all, the Maritime Museum offers a wealth to see! A diverse and engaging exhibition about past and present, suitable for all ages.
Maritime Museum
A bit of History
It’s not just the exhibitions that are impressive—the museum building itself is a true monument! It was designed in 1656, during the so-called Golden Age, by Daniel Stalpaert, who had been appointed city architect. Originally, it served as a warehouse for the Admiralty of Amsterdam, storing naval equipment, cannons, sails, and flags. At that time, Amsterdam was one of the world’s most important trading centres, and its harbour was correspondingly the largest in the world.
The museum appears to float on water, but in fact the warehouse was built on 2,300 piles. Over time, additional buttresses and risalites were added to prevent sinking or even collapse of the building.
Throughout its history, the building has experienced much. In 1791, it burned down to its foundations, only to be occupied by the French in 1795 after reconstruction. The French dissolved the Admiralties and established a national navy, turning the warehouse into a naval store.
In 1973, the warehouse, now converted into a museum, was officially opened by Queen Beatrix.
Due to a growing collection and increasing visitor numbers, extensive renovations and adaptations were carried out in 2007, resulting in a four-year closure. Architect Liesbeth van der Pol was commissioned to modernise the building while preserving the structure and character of the historic warehouse.
Upon entering the courtyard, the striking glass roof immediately catches the eye. Designed by architect Laurent Ney, it is a self-supporting structure made up of 1,200 glass panels set in a metal frame. The roof allows the courtyard to be used as an event space, hosting weddings, business meetings, and other private celebrations on a regular basis.
Official website of the Maritime Museum (EN): www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.com
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2021-2026
With support from Sophie Mülich
