Discover Dutch Maritime History at Het Scheepvaartmuseum

This immersive experience takes you deep into the seafaring past of the Netherlands. You'll get to explore a full-scale replica of an 18th-century cargo ship and see how water shaped the nation's identity.

Overview

Located in a grand 17th-century former naval storehouse, Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The National Maritime Museum) showcases how the sea has shaped Dutch culture, trade, and daily life over five centuries. The highlight of the visit is boarding the majestic East Indiaman, a detailed replica of an 18th-century sailing ship moored right outside on the water.

Step-by-step Plan

Morning Arrival (10:00 AM - 10:30 AM): Arrive at Kattenburgerplein and admire the stunning architecture of the building, including its glass-covered courtyard.
Explore the East Wing (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM): Check out the collection of historical globes, masterfully crafted ship models, and navigation instruments.
Board the Sailing Ship (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM): Head out to the jetty to climb aboard the replica vessel. Walk through the captain's quarters, the cramped crew decks, and experience what life was like on a long-haul voyage.
Lunch in the Museum Cafe (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): Enjoy a fresh sandwich or coffee in the glass-roofed courtyard.
Dive into the West & North Wings (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM): Experience interactive exhibitions on modern maritime industries, art, and the paintings depicting historic naval battles.

Reservations & Hours

Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on King's Day (April 27), Christmas Day (December 25), and New Year's Day (January 1).
Reservations: It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to secure your entry.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes (for climbing wooden steps on the ship).
A smartphone and headphones to listen to the included audio guide.
A light jacket (the outdoor jetty and ship deck can get windy).

Budget

Adult Ticket: €20 (includes audio guide)
Youth Ticket (ages 5–17): €8.50
Children (under 5): Free
Museumkaart / I amsterdam City Card: Free admission
Lunch/Snacks: €10–€20 per person

Tips & Accessibility

Tips: Take time to stand in the center of the courtyard and look up at the spectacular glass ceiling, which is inspired by the compass rose.
Accessibility: The main building is fully wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps. However, the replica ship has steep stairs and narrow passages that are not wheelchair accessible.

Backup Plan

If the weather is bad, you can easily skip the outdoor ship deck and spend your entire time exploring the extensive indoor galleries. Alternatively, you can head to the nearby science museum just a short walk away for more indoor activities.