Scheepvaartmuseum | The National Maritime Museum

Het Scheepvaartmuseum explores how the sea shaped Amsterdam, the Netherlands and the wider world. It occupies ’s Lands Zeemagazijn, a monumental former Admiralty warehouse built in 1656 when Amsterdam was one of the world’s most important ports.

The museum’s galleries contain historic paintings, navigational instruments, globes, maritime maps, decorated ship ornaments and extraordinarily detailed ship models. Republic at Sea examines the rise of the Netherlands as a maritime nation, while other exhibitions explore Amsterdam’s harbour, cartography and navigation by the sun and stars.

The museum also addresses the darker consequences of maritime expansion, including colonialism, exploitation and slavery. These perspectives provide necessary context for the wealth and power created through Dutch overseas trade.

Outside lies the replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam. Visitors can explore its decks and cabins while learning about daily life aboard an 18th-century trading vessel. Families will also find interactive exhibitions, including The Tale of the Whale and Diver Doris for younger children.

A free one-hour highlights audiotour is available in eleven languages and provides an excellent introduction to the collection.