At Kattenburgerplein 1 on Amsterdam’s waterfront, the National Maritime Museum traces 500 years of Dutch seafaring through maps, paintings, ship models and navigation instruments. Its standout is the full-size replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam, where you can explore the decks, hammocks and compact bunks to get a sense of life aboard. Inside, look for exhibits on trade, the port and the history of whaling, alongside interactive displays for children. The former naval building has a glass-roofed courtyard, and there is a café for a break between galleries.
Dutch seafaring in the galleries
The National Maritime Museum, or Het Scheepvaartmuseum, is in a former naval building beside the water at Kattenburgerplein 1. Its collections follow Dutch maritime history across five centuries, with maps, paintings, ship models, weapons and navigation instruments.
The displays connect seafaring with Amsterdam’s growth as a trading port. Look for material on trade routes, the city’s harbour and the people who worked at sea. The museum also addresses the darker history of Dutch maritime trade, including slavery, alongside subjects such as whaling and exploration.
Aboard the Amsterdam
Outside the museum, the full-size replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam gives the collections a human scale. You can go aboard and move through areas such as the sailors’ hammocks, bunks and decks. The ship’s cramped spaces and low beams make the conditions of life at sea easier to picture; take care as you move around below deck.
Interactive displays add context to the ship and its history. For children, exploring the vessel is a hands-on part of the visit, while the museum’s indoor play area provides another place to take a break.
The building and a pause between exhibits
The museum’s historic naval building has a large courtyard covered by a glass roof. It provides a place to pause between galleries, with the old structure and modern roof visible together. The collection is divided across several areas, including North, East and West; the East section can be easy to overlook, so check the layout as you move through the museum.
There is a café on site, where apple pie is among the options noted in the available information. A small shop and lockers are also available. The museum has wheelchair-accessible entry, lifts and restrooms.
Planning your visit
The museum is at Kattenburgerplein 1, on the waterfront in Amsterdam. It is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. A visit of two to three hours gives you time for the ship and several galleries; if you like to read displays in detail, plan for longer. The museum recommends booking tickets ahead.
NEMO Science Museum is nearby, so the two can be combined for a day of museum visits. There are also historic boats and equipment displayed in the harbour between the museums.
Perguntas frequentes
How long do you need at the National Maritime Museum?
Allow 2 to 3 hours for the ship and museum galleries. You may want longer if you plan to read the displays in detail.
Can you go aboard the VOC ship Amsterdam?
Yes. The full-size replica is moored outside the museum and visitors can explore its decks and interior spaces.
Is the National Maritime Museum suitable for children?
Yes. Children can explore the ship and use interactive displays, and the museum has an indoor play area.
Should you book National Maritime Museum tickets in advance?
The museum recommends booking tickets in advance.
Where is the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam?
It is at Kattenburgerplein 1, beside the water in Amsterdam.
