NEDERLANDS SCHEEPVAARTMUSEUM

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.