National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam

A photograph of National Maritime Museum — Photograph · Fernando · CC BY-SA 4.0

Monday	10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday	10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday	10:00 – 17:00
Thursday	10:00 – 17:00
Friday	10:00 – 17:00
Saturday	10:00 – 17:00
Sunday	10:00 – 17:00

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Per person	€20.00

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Today: Open today, 10:00 – 17:00
Visit duration: 1 hr 30 min
Accessibility: Partly step-free
Price: €20.00 per person
Standing: Must see
Rank: Rank 12 of 2,920

Plan a day around this Map

About National Maritime Museum

Het Scheepvaartmuseum is the National Maritime Museum of the Netherlands, housed in a former naval arsenal built in 1656. The monumental building stands on the waterfront near Amsterdam's city center, serving as a major institution dedicated to Dutch maritime history. The Netherlands' historical dominance in global trade and naval power forms the core narrative. The museum complex includes the main building and the historic vessel Amsterdam, a replica of an 18th-century East Indiaman anchored nearby. Monday–Sunday 10:00–17:00. Closed on New Year’s Day (1 January), King’s Day (27 April), and Christmas Day (25 December).

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

The museum collections encompass maritime art, navigational instruments, ship models, and historical artifacts documenting centuries of Dutch seafaring. Exhibitions explore themes including naval warfare, commercial shipping, whaling, and colonial trade. The replica ship Amsterdam allows visitors to experience life aboard a historical vessel. Interactive displays and immersive presentations complement traditional objects. The building's courtyard features a modern glass roof structure. Closed on New Year’s Day (1 January), King’s Day (27 April), and Christmas Day (25 December). General adult admission for visitors aged 18 and over is €20.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

How long to spend

Visitors typically allocate several hours for a comprehensive visit, though individual pacing varies considerably. The main building contains multiple floors of galleries, and the adjacent ship Amsterdam requires additional time to explore thoroughly. Those with strong interest in maritime history may prefer extended visits. Families with children might move through more quickly depending on engagement with interactive elements. The combined indoor and outdoor components suggest planning for at least half a day to avoid rushing through significant portions of the complex. General adult admission for visitors aged 18 and over is €20.

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Season and crowds

Visitors should consult the museum's official channels before planning. Amsterdam experiences peak tourist season during summer months, when major attractions draw larger crowds. Winter visits may offer reduced congestion but potentially fewer daylight hours for outdoor portions including the ship Amsterdam. Weather conditions affect the waterfront location noticeably. Rainy days make indoor-focused visits more practical. Monday–Sunday 10:00–17:00. All museum exhibitions and facilities are accessible by lift. The East Indiaman Amsterdam has a wheelchair-accessible lift to the overloop deck and video room, but its upper deck and lower section are not wheelchair-accessible.

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Tickets

Combination tickets with other Amsterdam attractions may exist. Museumkaart holders, if applicable, should verify inclusion. Online advance purchase is advisable for popular Amsterdam museums to secure entry. Group rates and school programs are common for national museums. Free admission days, if any, would be announced officially. Visitors must check current pricing through official channels before budgeting. General adult admission for visitors aged 18 and over is €20. All museum exhibitions and facilities are accessible by lift. The East Indiaman Amsterdam has a wheelchair-accessible lift to the overloop deck and video room, but its upper deck and lower section are not wheelchair-accessible.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Getting there

The museum occupies a prominent waterfront position east of Amsterdam's central station. Public transport via tram or bus serves the surrounding area, with stops within reasonable walking distance. Cycling represents a characteristic Amsterdam approach, with bicycle parking available nearby. From Amsterdam Centraal’s IJzijde stop, take bus 42 toward Cruquius-eiland and get off at Kadijksplein. Walking from Amsterdam Centraal takes about 21 minutes via Oosterdokskade past the Public Library and NEMO, or about 19 minutes via the busy Prins Hendrikkade. From P+R Zeeburg, take tram 26 toward Centraal Station and get off at Kattenburgerstraat, close to the museum.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What to watch out for

The historic building features uneven surfaces and staircases that may challenge mobility-impaired visitors. The ship Amsterdam requires navigating steep ladders and confined spaces unsuitable for all physical conditions. Waterfront exposure creates wind and temperature variations. Crowding concentrates at popular exhibits and aboard the vessel during peak periods. Photography policies vary by exhibition; some artifacts may have restrictions. All museum exhibitions and facilities are accessible by lift. A limited number of wheelchairs can be reserved in advance. Accessible toilets are available on every floor in the building’s east side. Assistance dogs are permitted, and a supporting companion receives free admission with a booked free ticket.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Most Dutch national museums permit non-flash photography for personal use in permanent collections. Special exhibitions commonly impose restrictions or prohibitions. The ship Amsterdam presents practical challenges for photography due to confined spaces and variable lighting conditions. Tripod use is typically restricted in crowded museums. Commercial or professional photography requires advance authorization. Visitors should observe posted signage and staff instructions regarding specific restrictions. Respect for other visitors' experience remains essential when photographing in shared spaces. Accessible toilets are available on every floor in the building’s east side. Assistance dogs are permitted, and a supporting companion receives free admission with a booked free ticket.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Common questions

How long should I allow for a visit?

The museum recommends 2–3 hours for a complete visit; some visitors stay as long as 4.5 hours, and exploring the East Indiaman Amsterdam alone can take about one hour.

Do exhibitions or activities require reservations?

Museum exhibitions do not require separate reservations, but some events and guided tours must be reserved through the museum’s programme.

Can the East Indiaman Amsterdam be visited separately?

No. Access to the East Indiaman Amsterdam requires a museum admission ticket.

Must an online ticket be printed?

No. The ticket barcode can be presented on a smartphone or tablet at the entrance.

Can visitors take bags into the exhibitions?

Bags larger than A4 size are not permitted in exhibition areas and must be placed in the lockers.

Are photography and filming allowed?

Personal photography and filming are allowed, but selfie sticks and tripods are prohibited in exhibition rooms, and drones are prohibited in and around the museum, including the museum jetty.