- When: 20 until 24 August
- Time: 10.00 - 17.00 hrs
- For who: everyone
- Cost: free admission
- Register: ticket reservation required
From 20 until 24 August, Amsterdam welcomes SAIL. Experience it up close at The National Maritime Museum, your home port during the festivities.
For five days, ships, crew members and visitors from all over the world come to Amsterdam to celebrate the past, present and future of maritime culture. The tenth edition of the event coincides with the 750th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam, making it even more festive.
During SAIL 2025, The National Maritime Museum will be open to everyone free of charge. Explore the museum and the guest ships at the jetty, enjoy a drink on our deck and meet other nautical enthusiasts.
East Indiaman
Visit the replica of the East Indiaman Amsterdam: an important part of your museum visit. On board, you can learn all about East Indiamen and the history of the East India Company. Reflect on our colonial past and think about the future of the ship.
Marineterrein: Binnenboord Festival
During SAIL, the Marineterrein will host the BINNENBOORD festival: a five-day programme full of music, radio, stories, food and encounters. Students from ROC Amsterdam & Flevoland and Inholland University of Applied Sciences are organising this festival together with local residents, creators and the National Maritime Museum.
Cinekid pop-up cinema
During SAIL, children can watch films in the Cinekid pop-up cinema in the National Maritime Museum. Cinekid has put together a special programme of short films on the theme of ships and seafaring. Admission is free, but please reserve your ticket for the museum in advance.
Main gallery
Republic at Sea shows how The Netherlands was shaped as a maritime nation. With over 50 masterpieces, the exhibition tells the story of the Republic in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Shadows on the Atlantic
Shadows on the Atlantic demonstrates how the history of shipping is inextricably linked to colonial violence and the history of slavery through collection pieces, personal stories and contemporary work. At sea and on land, then and now.
Guest ship The Witness
Greenpeace's sailing ship is an icon of maritime innovation and sustainability and contributes to the conversation about the role of shipping in urgent global issues.
Guest ship Gipsy Moth IV
The 16-metre sailing yacht Gipsy Moth IV is the first ship especially designed for solo races around the world.
Guest ship Lucipara 2
Lucipara 2 is a classic Buchanan ketch on which the Sailors for Sustainability sailed around the world for their mission to document and promote sustainable solutions.
Artwork Bringing back the ballast by Nathan Coley
In the north hall stands a brick wall, built by Scottish artist Nathan Coley. He was inspired by ballast in the cargo holds of ships belonging to the Dutch trading companies VOC and WIC.
Family activities
In addition to climbing and scrambling around on the East Indiaman, you can meet Duiker Doris (2+) in the museum, make your own sea chart, take part in water yoga (2-6 years) or explore the museum with the junior audio tour.
The Deck
The most beautiful view of the IJ and the ships can be found at Het Dek. Enjoy a snack, a drink and cool off on the water here. Open daily during visiting hours, weather permitting.
Free admission
The museum will be open for free to the public during SAIL 2025. To ensure that visitor flows run smoothly, we ask that you reserve a ticket in advance, also if you have a Museum Card or Amsterdam City Card.
SAIL & The National Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum and the SAIL Amsterdam Foundation are united in their love of ships and history. That is why the Maritime Museum belongs to the SAIL Family. This group of partners has a social character and promotes solidarity. Together, we ensure that every five years, special tall ships can visit the capital.