The Houseboat Museum is aboard the Hendrika Maria, a former cargo boat moored on Prinsengracht in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district. Step inside to see how a canal boat can work as a home, with furnished living space that evokes houseboat life in the 1970s. An audio guide and short videos add context, while numbered stickers on the walls point you to extra details. The visit is compact, so it fits easily between walks along the canals and nearby streets.
A former cargo boat on Prinsengracht
The museum is housed in the Hendrika Maria, a cargo vessel built in 1914. Its hold has been turned into living space, giving visitors a close look at how a boat can function as a home on an Amsterdam canal.
The boat sits on Prinsengracht in the Jordaan district. Amsterdam’s houseboats developed as more people turned to the canals for housing, particularly during the housing shortages of the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the museum presents that way of life from inside one of the boats.
Inside the houseboat
The furnished interior recreates a domestic space from the 1970s. Rather than viewing the boat from the canal, you can step aboard and see its rooms at close quarters. The compact setting is part of the experience, but it also means there is limited room inside when other visitors are there.
An audio guide and videos explain details of the boat and houseboat living. Look for numbered stickers on the walls; they direct you to additional information as you explore. The visit is self-guided, and staff can answer questions about life on a houseboat.
Planning a visit
The museum is a short stop, with around 20 to 30 minutes enough for a visit. Going early or at a quieter time can give you more room to look around. If you have an I Amsterdam City Card, entry is included.
The Houseboat Museum suits anyone curious about Amsterdam’s canal homes, boat interiors or the practical details of living on the water. Its small scale makes it less suited to visitors looking for a large museum with extensive galleries.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Houseboat Museum?
It is aboard the Hendrika Maria on Prinsengracht in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district.
How long does a visit take?
Plan on about 20 to 30 minutes for the compact museum.
Is the Houseboat Museum included with the I Amsterdam City Card?
Yes. Entry is included with the I Amsterdam City Card.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes. An audio guide and short videos provide information about the boat and houseboat life.
