The exhibitions of the National Maritime Museum are diverse and for all ages. Interactive exhibitions for children, historical facts for the maritime lover, art objects for the lover of culture and wonderful stories about maritime history for young and old.
highlights
Shadows on the Atlantic
The exhibition Shadows on the Atlantic explores the impact of colonial history on people's lives. At sea and on land, then and now. Contemporary art and videos with personal stories offer new perspectives on the museum's collection.
Main gallery: Republic at Sea
Republic at Sea tells the remarkable story of the Netherlands as a a maritime nation in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
East Indiaman Amsterdam
This replica of the Dutch East Indiaman ship Amsterdam is docked right beside The National Maritime Museum. Walk, climb on the ship, lay in the hammocks, visit the captains cabin and discover much more.
expected
Oceanista
The temporary exhibition Oceanista showcases the influence of the sea and maritime history on our wardrobes. Featuring historical objects and masterpieces from both national and international fashion designers. Oceanista will be on display at the National Maritime Museum from October 10, 2025.
now on show
Atlantic Window III: Sarojini Lewis
Soerdie was the first female indentured labourer to be shipped from India via Barbados to Suriname. The third Atlantic Window shows how artist and researcher Sarojini Lewis takes on the role of Soerdie.
Humans at Sea Studio
The exhibition Humans at Sea is accompanied by a studio space, set up around the oral history project Queer Spaces at Sea. In this studio you can reflect on the exhibition in different ways, you are stimulated to think about what the sea means to you, about queer culture and about being yourself, about freedom and the lack of thereof.
always on show
The main gallery: Republic at Sea
Republic at Sea tells the remarkable story of the Netherlands as a maritime nation in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
East Indiaman Amsterdam
The replica of the Dutch East Indiaman ship Amsterdam is docked right beside The National Maritime Museum. Walk, climb on the ship, lay in the hammocks, visit the captains cabin and discover much more.
The Solebay tapestries
Two monumental tapestries designed by Willem van de Velde the Elder (1611-1693) mark the significance of shared Anglo-Dutch heritage. The acquisition is the largest in the history of the museum.
The navigational instruments
Marvel in this space and navigate among the stars, from grade stick to sextant under the beautiful starry sky.
Steamship Christiaan Brunings
The Christiaan Brunings is a sailing monument from 1900 that can be admired on the jetty of the National Maritime Museum.
Amsterdam port & city
This exhibition shows the age-old relationship between the harbour and the city, from the moment a dam was built in the Amstel to the future.
Doris the Diver (2+)
Doris the Diver is an adventurous, maritime museum experience for families with children aged 2 years and older. This narative and interactive exhibition for the youngest museum visitors can now be seen in the National Maritime Museum. Will we see you soon?
The tale of the whale
Read all about the whale through the ages: from monster to endangered species, and walk for example into the mouth of a whale!
The Royal Barge
Take a close look at this beautiful golden, royal icon at The National Maritime Museum.
The yacht models
Witness a sailing race between old and new yacht models beautifully showcased with interactive information screen.
The ship decorations
Raw beauty and pure craftmanship within sight of the harbor with beautiful and witty ship ornaments and ship decorations.
Bringing back the ballast, door Nathan Coley
In the north hall (towards the jetty, where the East Indiaman Amsterdam and the Royal Barge are located) there has been a brick wall since 2011, built by the Scottish artist Nathan Coley. The artwork is called: 'Bringing back the ballast'.
See in 1 minute what you can expect, do and experience at The National Maritime Museum/ Het Scheepvaartmuseum!
Will we see you soon?
