The museum building was originally commissioned by the Amsterdam Admiralty to store sails, ropes, and naval equipment.
The glass roof over the courtyard consists of 859 individual pieces of glass supported by a complex steel structure.
The replica ship Amsterdam represents a vessel of the Dutch East India Company that sank during its maiden voyage to the East Indies in 1749.
The museum holds one of the world's most significant maritime libraries, including rare 16th-century cartographic works.
The building stands on 10,000 wooden piles driven into the soft subsoil of the artificial island of Kattenburg.
The National Maritime Museum, known as Het Scheepvaartmuseum, is housed in the 1656 Arsenal building, a former naval warehouse. Its most prominent feature is a full-scale replica of the 18th-century merchant ship Amsterdam, moored at the museum’s pier. The collection chronicles 500 years of Dutch maritime history through navigation instruments, cartography, and ship models. The central courtyard is covered by a dramatic glass roof, designed by Laurent Ney, which mimics the lines of a compass rose. Permanent exhibitions include 'Dare to Discover' and 'Republic at Sea'. The institution focuses on the influence of maritime trade on the development of the Netherlands. Visitors can explore the decks and cargo hold of the replica ship. It remains an active research center for naval history and exploration.
The glass-roofed central courtyard during the day, or the exterior profile of the replica ship against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Reserve time to board the replica ship early, as access may be restricted during inclement weather.
Use the free museum audio tour, which provides context for the diverse range of navigational instruments.
Visit the library archives in the basement if you are interested in deep-dive historical research.
Do not rush through the outdoor replica ship experience; it requires significant time to climb the narrow stairways and explore the lower decks.
Closed on Kings Day (April 27).
