Located in a historic 17th-century naval warehouse by the water, The National Maritime Museum (in Dutch: Het Scheepvaartmuseum) offers a fascinating introduction to how the sea shaped Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Inside the impressive building, visitors discover stories of global trade, navigation, exploration and daily life at sea through maps, ship models, artworks and interactive displays. One of the museum’s most memorable highlights is the full-scale replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam, where you can experience what long-distance voyages were like during the Dutch Golden Age.
Rather than focusing only on ships, the museum explains how maritime connections influenced culture, science and international exchange across centuries. Exhibitions explore the lives of sailors, merchants and travellers, while also showing how Amsterdam developed into one of the world’s most important trading cities. Modern presentations and multimedia elements make complex history easy to understand and engaging for visitors of all ages.
A journey through Dutch maritime history
Families especially enjoy the museum’s hands-on approach, with interactive galleries designed to encourage discovery and participation. At the same time, architecture lovers will appreciate the spectacular glass-covered inner courtyard, where historic design meets contemporary innovation. Whether you are interested in maritime adventures, Dutch history or simply looking for a unique museum experience near the waterfront, this is one of the most distinctive cultural attractions in Amsterdam.
The National Maritime Museum: Discover 500 years of Dutch maritime history
Step inside a magnificent 1656 naval warehouse and embark on a journey through the sea's influence on Dutch culture. From legendary voyages to modern-day engineering, explore how the water shaped a nation.
A visit to The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) includes:
- A spectacular glass-covered inner courtyard made of 1,200 unique panes, inspired by 17th-century compass lines
- The East Indiaman Amsterdam replica, a world-famous VOC ship moored right at the museum’s jetty
- The original Royal Barge, the richly decorated 'golden coach of the water' used by the Dutch royal family
- Interactive exhibitions that bring naval battles, whaling history, and global trade to life
- Historic vaults beneath the courtyard that once stored 40,000 litres of rainwater for the fleet
- One of the world's largest and most significant maritime collections, including rare maps, paintings, and ship models
A visit to The National Maritime Museum usually takes 2 to 3 hours for a full experience. Some visitors spend up to 4–4.5 hours, especially if they take their time on the impressive East Indiaman ship Amsterdam (which can easily take 45–60 minutes on its own). There is no fixed route or time limit — you can go at your own pace.
From Rainwater Vaults to Architectural Icon
The National Maritime Museum is housed in a magnificent 1656 naval warehouse built on no fewer than 2,300 wooden piles driven deep into the soft Amsterdam soil. Under the spectacular glass-covered inner courtyard (made of 1,200 unique glass panes) lie historic vaults that once stored 40,000 litres of rainwater for the fleet. It’s a perfect example of how 17th-century engineering meets modern design.
Prices
Prices are subject to change.
Opening hours
The National Maritime Museum is open most days of the year.
| Monday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
The National Maritime Museum remains closed on:
- King’s Day 2026 – 27 April
- Christmas Day – 25 December
- New Year’s Day – 1 January
Please consult The National Maritime Museum website for current opening hours.
The library is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 – 17:00, with the exception of:
- King's day (27th of April)
- Easter Monday
- Ascension Day
- Whit Monday
- Liberation Day (5th of May)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day
- New Year's day
The National Maritime Museum
Kattenburgerplein 11018 KK Amsterdam
- +31 (0)20 523 2222
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - The National Maritime Museum
How to get there:
- Walking: 20-minute walk from Central Station
- Bicycle: parking in front and near the museum
- Bus: 42 to Kadijksplein or Kattenburgerplein + 2-min. walk
- Tram: 26 to Kattenburgerstraat + 10-min. walk
- Metro: 51, 53, 54 to Waterlooplein + 15-min. walk
- Car: via A10 ring road North, exit S116 (IJtunnel). Several parking options near the museum (Markenhoven, Oosterdok, IJ-oever Centrum, De Loodsen, or ParkBee)
Accessibility: The National Maritime Museum is accessible for visitors with disabilities. All exhibitions and facilities can be reached by elevator and the East Indiaman Amsterdam is partially accessible via a special lift on the pier. Visitors who are unable to navigate the museum independently may bring one companion free of charge.
Hotels near The National Maritime Museum
Pension Homeland
Kattenburgerstraat 5
1018 JA Amsterdam
0,1 km
Botel Sailing Home
Oosterdok (Steiger 4)
1011 VX Amsterdam
0,3 km
Hotelboat Angeline
Oosterdok 2, Stijger 4
1011 CZ Amsterdam
0,3 km
Passengership Avanti
Oosterdok Steiger 3
1011 VX Amsterdam
0,3 km
Hotelboat Allure
Oosterdok 51, Steiger 4
1011 VX Amsterdam
0,3 km
Vita Nova
Oosterdok / Prins Hendrikkade t/h NEMO
1011 VX Amsterdam
0,3 km
Last updated: April 2026