NEDERLANDS SCHEEPVAARTMUSEUM
2024
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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, marking the Dutch Golden Age. Built in 1656, this warehouse was once used to store equipment for the Dutch military fleet. Today, this magnificent white stone building, set on the water, houses one of the world's most important maritime collections, including globes, paintings and ship models. The museum regularly features original exhibitions exploring the close ties between the Netherlands and the sea, while also revealing some of the less glorious aspects of that era, such as the country's role as a colonizer, a subject now under debate.
Outside, the Amsterdam, a replica of an East India Company (VOC) ship, is moored. This superb three-master, rebuilt by volunteers from a wreck, sometimes hosts historical re-enactments. Families will also appreciate the semi-virtual exhibition The Story of the Whale, produced in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund. And don't miss the majestic Royal Barque, which sailed the Amsterdam canals until 1962, now on display in an outdoor pavilion. This is a must-see address for a captivating dive into the maritime history of the Netherlands, whether you're visiting solo or with the whole family. A practical tip: the free audioguide is available in French.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Further information
Opening time and information on NEDERLANDS SCHEEPVAARTMUSEUM
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults €18.50, children aged 13-17 €8.50.
Message from Management
Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum is located in the historic Arsenal building, a warehouse of the Royal Dutch Navy, in Amsterdam. Home to one of the world's most important maritime collections, a visit to this site allows you to discover 500 years of Dutch maritime history. Here, you'll discover remarkable paintings, ship models, navigational instruments and nautical charts. The museum also boasts a library containing 60,000 books, some over 500 years old. In addition, a variety of exhibitions are regularly staged to promote the history of the Netherlands and its links with the sea. With its wide range of fun and enriching activities, this museum is also a perfect address for families. You can, for example, take part in the junior audio tour or visit the ship East Indiaman VOC Amsterdam. The museum also has a store and a café-restaurant, with terrace, where you can enjoy cuisine based on local and seasonal products.
Members' reviews on NEDERLANDS SCHEEPVAARTMUSEUM
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
The exposition lacks all the drama and items that the old museum used to offer. No periscopes to watch through (loved that as a kid) and hardly any models of ancient and WW2 warships.
The only mention of Piet Heijn and the Silverfleet is in the form of a "remembrance coin". Really pathetic.
Also, the slavery past of the Dutch is basically glossed over/deleted from the texts next to the paintings. It just says "This or that admiral....and an UNKNOWN man" where it is obviously meant to portray slavery.
The whole building feels "half empty" (or "half full", but that would still sound terrible for a museum).
The 2 stars is for the fact it actually has a replica East-Indiaman that you can walk around in.