National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam: HET Scheepvaartmuseum

Fascinating museum foR explorers of Dutch history

The National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam is sited in a beautiful historic white building that was originally an arsenal, holding sails, flags, cannons and other equipment on the River IJ.

This fascinating museum is easy to find with the East Indiaman Amsterdam ship moored on the jetty outside a major landmark. This is a replica of the ship lost at sea in the 1700’s. There are also two other ships to explore, as well as the interior of the museum which swells with interesting art and artefacts from Dutch maritime history.

In August 2025, the National Maritime Museum will be centre stage of the epic Sail Amsterdam 2025 celebrations. This is a 5-yearly event that fills the River IJ with boats and is an incredible spectacle. It was cancelled in 202o and now coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations, so you can expect quite an event.

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National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam Tickets

Het Scheepvaartmuseum is a very popular attraction in Amsterdam. As Amsterdam developed from the canals and harbour, it stands to reason that if you want to learn about the history of Amsterdam then this museum is a great place for you. Anyone interested in seafaring, ships and exploration will enjoy this museum. Families will find plenty to entertain and awe the children, especially on the ships themselves.

Scheepvaartmuseum ticket costs 2024

There are a range of ticket types available:

• Adult – €18.50
• Children (13-17) – €8.50
• 0 – 12 years – Free
• Students – €8.50
• I Amsterdam City Card – included
• Rembrandt Society Members – included
• Museumcard – included
• ICOM Card – included

With any of the tourist cards like the I Amsterdam City Card you still need to book your date and time slot in advance. At checkout you just select your card type and then bring both to the entrance with you.

All tickets need to be booked online in advance. 

Amsterdam Maritime Museum Opening Times

The Maritime Museum is open everyday except certain specific dates (see below):

Monday to Sunday: 10am until 5pm.

The library is only open at the above times from Monday through to Friday.

This museum is closed on King’s Day (27 April), Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Maritime Museum in Amsterdam Location

The Maritime Museum Amsterdam is located in the East Dockland area of Amsterdam and is roughly a 20 minute walk east from Centraal Station. Follow Prins Hendrikkade east until you see the ship on your left. A cycle ride will only take 5 minutes from Central Station and there is plenty of bike parking at the venue.

Address: Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam

You can go on foot from Central Station or use Amsterdam’s public transport. GVB Bus Number 22 will take you there (Kattenburgerplein stop). The Museum is close to Nemo Science Museum making it an ideal place for families to spend time in two different styles of museum, both equally entertaining and fascinating.

What is at Scheepvaartmuseum in Amsterdam?

Back in 2007 the museum started a large renovation that took 4 years. When it reopened there was a new glass roof over the inside courtyard that is simply stunning. Looking up through it, you’ll see intersecting lines that represent the lines you’d find in old nautical charts. On a sunny day, the resulting shadows on the walls and floor only add to the effect.

Exhibitions at National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam

Divided into wings, the exhibitions include historical, interactive and story led maritime discoveries with art, artefacts and objects all on show.

West Wing

Amsterdam Port & City – looks at how the harbour relates to the city development in the past and future.

The Tale of the Whale – looks at whales in detail and how they became endangered today.

North Wing

This hosts some temporary exhibitions as well as:

Republic at Sea – Looks at Netherlands story as a maritime nation.

Dare to discover – A VR Journey currently unavailable due to Covid issues.

The Royal Barge – An icon of the museum, imagine the golden coaches drawn by horse and put that detailed beauty on the water.

East Indiaman Amsterdam – Replica of Dutch East Indiaman ship, climb aboard and see how life would be for sailors of old. A popular wedding venue for good romantic reasons.

Steamship Christiaan Brunings – Beautiful example of steam ship with luxury interior.

Willem van de Velde & Son – Current exhibition of father and son maritime artists, pen and oil paintings.

East Wing

Maps and Marvels – How did Dutch seafarers get around and define world views.

The Yacht Models – See old and new models to compare.

Navigational Instruments – See how to navigate using the stars.

Ship Decorations – Beautiful examples of the craftmanship found on board various vessels.

A long-lost manuscript – Detailed research into a genocide 400 years ago on Banda Islands.

Restaurant and shop at Maritime Museum Amsterdam

The shop is open for everyone, you do not need a ticket to go in. It offers a range of products from fun stuff for the kids, think giant stuffed whales and other sea creatures and really interesting items like globes, maps, writing materials and art. Getting a gift here is actually a quality unique present as a memory of Amsterdam or for someone interested in ships, the sea and adventure.

The shop is open from Monday until Sunday from 10am until 5pm. There is of course an online shop too.

Restaurant

Again the restaurant is open the same hours as the museum. You can take your food in the open courtyard or the terrace on the water called the Deck. The restaurant offers a variety of snacks, hot and cold drinks and homemade pastries.