NEDERLANDS SCHEEPVAARTMUSEUM
A white stone building on the water, housing one of the world's most important maritime collections in Amsterdam
The Scheepvaartmuseum is housed in the Arsenal, one of the largest buildings of the 16th and 17th centuries, during the Golden Age, built in Amsterdam in 1656 as a warehouse for the Dutch military fleet. This magnificent white stone ensemble, set on the water, houses one of the world's most important maritime collections. It includes globes, paintings and ship models, and regularly organizes original exhibitions on the Netherlands and its strong ties to the sea. We also discover less romantic aspects of this adventurous era. Indeed, as with all former great European powers, the status of the Netherlands as both colonizer and oppressor is the subject of much debate. This is where the East India Company (VOC) shipAmsterdam is moored. This superb three-master, entirely rebuilt by volunteers from a wreck discovered at low tide, occasionally hosts large-scale historical re-enactments. Families will love the semi-virtual exhibition devoted to the Golden Age. Don't forget to visit the sublime royal bark, which sailed the Amsterdam canals until 1962, and which has been on display for some years now in a small pavilion outside. A great place to visit with or without the family, for an insight into the country's history. The audio guide is available in French.