If you have a disability and would like to visit The National Maritime Museum, this page provides comprehensive information about the museum's accessibility.

If anything is unclear, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone at +3120 523 22 22 or by emailing info@hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl. If you have any questions during your museum visit, feel free to visit the service desk located at the Open Square.

Seating and Museum Stools

Throughout the museum, you'll find benches where you can take a seat or rest. Additionally, we offer special museum stools that you can borrow. These are located at the entrance of the Republic at Sea exhibition and on the east side of the building on the ground floor. Feel free to take the stools with you as you explore the entire museum.

Visiting with a (electric) wheelchair

If you use a (electric) wheelchair, the majority of the museum is wheelchair accessible. All exhibitions and facilities in the museum are accessible via elevators. Unfortunately, the East Indiaman Amsterdam at our pier is only partially accessible to wheelchair users. The lift on the pier takes you to the Main Deck of the ship. However, the hold and upper deck are not wheelchair accessible. 

You can also borrow a wheelchair from us. To do so, you can reserve one in advance of your visit by calling +3120 523 22 22 or emailing info@hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl.

Scooters

Unfortunately, scooters are not allowed in the museum due to the safety of the collection. However, you can borrow a wheelchair from us. To reserve one before your visit, please call +3120 523 22 22 or email info@hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl.

If a standard wheelchair is not suitable for your needs, please get in touch with us. We are happy to work with you to find a suitable solution.

Other Assistive Devices

Medically necessary aids, such as crutches, Nordic walking sticks, a walker, a senior walking bike, and oxygen equipment, are, of course, allowed in the museum."

Parking

In the immediate vicinity of the museum, there are several parking spaces designated for individuals with disabilities. The closest parking spaces to the museum are:

1. Kattenburgerplein 1 (right in front of the entrance to Het Scheepvaartmuseum)

2. Kattenburgergracht 1 (100 meters from the museum entrance)

Unfortunately, we are unable to reserve parking spaces for visitors."

Toilets

On every floor, there are accessible toilets located on the east side of our building.

Supporters and Guides

Supporters or guides can enter for free. The complimentary ticket can be booked through our online ticket system or obtained at the museum's ticket counter."

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are allowed in the museum.

Audiotour

Our audiotour is also suitable for individuals with hearing impairments, as you can connect the audiotour to your personal hearing device. This can be done through the MapMyVisit app, available for download on Google Play or the App Store. In MapMyVisit, you will also find the written transcripts of the audiotour.

The sound of our audiotour is enhanced with Knisper technology, making it easily understandable for individuals with mild hearing loss as well.

A Quieter Visit

If you prefer a quieter museum experience, we recommend avoiding weekends and considering a visit on a Monday. Additionally, the period after 3:00 PM is usually less crowded at Het Scheepvaartmuseum. If you seek advice regarding quieter times on a specific day, feel free to contact us. You can reach us by phone at +3120 523 22 22 or by emailing info@hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl.

If you wish to find a peaceful space during your visit, the library is open Monday through Friday. It offers a quiet environment where you can sit and relax.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard is a tool that allows you to voluntarily communicate that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent, and that you may require assistance, understanding, or extra time. By wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, you indicate to us that you may need some additional support, assistance, or time.

Staff members at Het Scheepvaartmuseum wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower button signify that they understand the meaning of the symbol and are willing to assist and collaborate with individuals facing hidden disabilities

Visiting with children

Planning to visit Het Scheepvaartmuseum with children? Find practical information on our family page.