Amsterdam: National Maritime Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
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Transport Access
History
Built in 1656 as the ‘s Lands Zeemagazijn (Admiralty Arsenal), this monumental warehouse stored cannons, sails, and ropes for the Dutch navy during the Golden Age. Designed by Daniel Stalpaert, it’s one of Amsterdam’s finest examples of Dutch Classicism. After centuries of military use, it reopened in 1973 as the National Maritime Museum, housing the world’s largest maritime collection.
In 2011, a €65 million renovation added a stunning glass roof over the 2,500 m² inner courtyard—its etched design replicating a 17th-century nautical chart. Today, it blends 500 years of seafaring heritage with cutting-edge VR and interactive exhibits.
Highlights
- Skip the line and dive into the world’s largest maritime collection
- Board the full-scale replica of the 1749 VOC ship Amsterdam
- Experience a thrilling VR voyage over 17th-century Amsterdam
- Explore 400+ years of navigation tools, globes, and sea charts
- Discover interactive exhibits designed for kids and adults
- Relax under the iconic glass-roofed courtyard (free entry 10 AM–5 PM)
Full Description
Step into the golden era of Dutch seafaring at the National Maritime Museum, housed in a 1656 Admiralty warehouse on Amsterdam’s Eastern Islands. Skip the ticket line and explore over 400,000 objects—paintings by van de Velde, intricate ship models, 300-year-old atlases, and the original cannon that defended Batavia.
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Climb aboard the life-size replica of the VOC East Indiaman Amsterdam, a 50-meter merchant ship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1749. Walk the creaking decks, squeeze into the captain’s cabin, swing in a hammock, or fire a virtual cannon. Then, don a VR headset in the ship’s bow for a 10-minute flight over 1630 Amsterdam—see the harbor teeming with 1,000 vessels, smell the tar, and dodge flying fish.
The museum’s 11-language audio tour brings artifacts to life, while kid-friendly zones let young explorers hoist sails or navigate by stars. End in the glass-covered courtyard—a serene, free-access oasis with café and bookshop—before diving back into centuries of oceanic adventure.
Why Choose This Attraction?
This isn’t just a museum—it’s a time machine to the Dutch Golden Age, when Amsterdam ruled the seas. The skip-the-line ticket saves time, the Amsterdam replica immerses you in sailor life, and the VR journey is a world-first. Perfect for history buffs, families, and anyone who loves interactive storytelling.
With wheelchair access, multilingual audio, and a free courtyard, it’s inclusive and endlessly re-visitable. One visit isn’t enough—there’s simply too much to see.
What’s Included
- Skip-the-line entrance to the National Maritime Museum
- Full access to the replica VOC ship Amsterdam
- 60-minute multilingual audio tour (11 languages)
- Virtual Reality voyage: “A Flight Over Amsterdam in 1630”
- Entry to all permanent and temporary exhibitions
- Free access to the glass-roofed Open Courtyard (10 AM–5 PM)
- Wheelchair-friendly pathways and elevators
- Free Wi-Fi and cloakroom service
Pricing
From $21 per person
Meeting Point
Het Scheepvaartmuseum, Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam, Netherlands. Enter via the main courtyard gate (look for the glass roof).
How to Get There
- By Tram: Lines 7 or 14 to Kattenburgerstraat (2-min walk)
- By Bus: Line 22 or 43 to Kattenburgerplein (1-min walk)
- By Metro: Station Waterlooplein (Line 51, 52, 53, 54) – 15-min walk via Oosterdok
- By Bike: Free bike parking at museum entrance; 10 min from Centraal
- By Foot: 20-min scenic walk from Centraal via Nemo Science Museum
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes (lots of walking, ship stairs)
- Smartphone + headphones (for audio & VR)
- Light jacket (courtyard is cool)
- Curiosity (and sea legs!)
Know Before You Go
- Open daily 10 AM–5 PM (closed Dec 25, Jan 1, Apr 27)
- Last VR session: 4:30 PM; ship access until 4:45 PM
- Photography allowed (no flash on paintings)
- Café serves Dutch apple pie and maritime-themed snacks
- Free courtyard entry—even without a ticket
Reviews
- The map-making history blew me away. Figureheads, carvings, the Amsterdam ship, and that VR flight over the canals—mind-blowing. Could spend all day here.
- A must-visit. Boarding the Amsterdam replica felt like stepping into 1749. So immersive.
- Best part: exploring every deck and cabin of the real-scale ship. VR was the cherry on top.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What is the Virtual Reality voyage like, and how long does it last?
The VR experience, “Dare to Discover: A VR Journey”, is a 10-minute immersive flight that transports you to Amsterdam in 1630, when the city was the world’s busiest port. You’ll soar above a chaotic harbor packed with over 1,000 ships, glide past the VOC shipyard, and dive into the Damrak canal—complete with shouting sailors, creaking masts, and the scent of tar (yes, there’s smell!). The headset is lightweight, with adjustable straps and sanitized between uses. Sessions run every 15 minutes from 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM; book your slot on arrival (included in ticket). It’s suitable for ages 8+, though younger children can watch a 2D version on screen. Motion-sensitive visitors can opt for a seated, low-motion mode.
Can I climb aboard the replica ship Amsterdam, and what will I see?
Yes—full access to the Amsterdam, a 1:1 replica of the 1749 VOC East Indiaman that sank off England. You’ll explore four decks: the cramped crew quarters with swaying hammocks, the captain’s luxurious cabin with maps and a four-poster bed, the noisy gun deck with cannons you can “fire” via touchscreens, and the cargo hold stacked with spices, silk, and porcelain. Life-like mannequins in period dress act out daily routines—cooking pea soup, mending sails, or treating scurvy. Narrow stairs and low ceilings add authenticity (mind your head!). The ship is moored indoors, so it’s weather-proof and wheelchair-accessible via a ramp to the main deck (upper levels have stairs).
Is the museum suitable for children, and are there kid-specific activities?
Absolutely—the museum is a paradise for young explorers. The “See You in the Golden Age” exhibition lets kids hoist virtual sails, load a cannon, or navigate by stars using interactive tables. The Amsterdam ship has a treasure hunt with stamps to collect in a free logbook. The courtyard hosts seasonal craft workshops (e.g., knot-tying, flag-making), and the café offers a pirate-themed kids’ menu. The audio tour has a 30-minute children’s version in Dutch and English. Strollers are welcome (elevators to all floors), and the VR has a family-friendly mode. Many families spend 3–4 hours—there’s just so much to touch, play, and discover.
What is the glass-roofed courtyard, and can I visit it for free?
The Open Courtyard is a breathtaking 2,500 m² space under a modern glass roof installed in 2011. Its surface is etched with a 17th-century nautical chart made of 1,200 glass panels—walk on history! It’s free to enter daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, even without a museum ticket. Inside, you’ll find the museum café (try the stroopwafel latte), a gift shop with nautical toys and books, and rotating art installations. It’s a quiet oasis amid the city, perfect for a coffee break or sketching the surrounding 17th-century architecture. The courtyard also hosts free events like summer jazz concerts and winter ice-skating (skates for rent).
How does the audio tour work, and what languages are available?
The free 60-minute audio tour is accessed via your smartphone—scan a QR code at the entrance and use your own headphones (or rent for €1). It’s available in 11 languages: English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. The tour follows a numbered route through 25 highlights, from the Royal Barge to whale jawbones, with vivid storytelling—hear the captain shout orders or a cartographer argue over longitude. You control the pace: pause, skip, or replay. A shorter 30-minute kids’ version and a 15-minute “best of” tour are also available. No app download needed—just a browser and Wi-Fi (free throughout the museum).
