Vereniging Museumhaven Amsterdam Celebrates 40 Years with Festive Oosterdok Gathering
The Vereniging Museumhaven Amsterdam (VMA), a cherished institution dedicated to preserving historic ships, is marking its 40th anniversary with a special community festival. Titled "Bij ons aan boord" (On Board With Us), the event invites everyone to experience the unique culture of life in a historic harbor right in the heart of Amsterdam.
Visitors are welcome to join the celebrations on Saturday, May 24, at the Museumhaven Amsterdam, located in the vibrant Oosterdok area. This small festival promises a day filled with activities and insights into the city's rich maritime heritage.
What to Expect at the Museum Harbor Festival
The anniversary celebration offers a diverse program of free activities, though advance registration is required due to limited space on board the ships. The festival runs throughout the day, providing multiple opportunities to engage with the unique atmosphere of the harbor. Full program details and registration can be found on the official event website.
Between 2 PM and 5 PM, guests can step aboard the various museum ships. This is an opportunity to enjoy lectures, live music, and unique performances. Highlights include readings by author Alma Mathijsen on themes of sailing and writing, a poetry bar hosted by the Feest der Poëzie, and musical entertainment from the Benonies, known as the smallest big band in the Netherlands. Author Corine Nijenhuis will discuss her book "Een vrouw van staal," while Suzanna Markusse will share insights into the early efforts to preserve maritime heritage.
For younger visitors, there will be engaging activities such as super sjoelen and creative crafts. Short cruises on smaller historic vessels will also be available, offering a different perspective of the harbor.
Discover Ship Histories Through Audio Stories
To enhance the visitor experience, information boards are placed at the start of each jetty, detailing the ships moored there. Seven of these boards feature QR codes, allowing visitors to listen to the unique stories of specific vessels in both Dutch and English. This interactive element provides a deeper connection to the history and lives associated with these preserved ships.
Evening Celebration on the NEMO Roof
The festivities continue into the evening with a special party on the roof of the NEMO Science Museum from 7:30 PM to 10 PM. This rooftop celebration will feature live music from the Bucket Boyz and Packx, a bar, and ample space for dancing. Entrance to the evening event is between 7:30 PM and 8 PM, and as with other activities, advance registration is necessary via the event website.
The Vereniging Museumhaven Amsterdam is proud to share its four-decade legacy with the community and looks forward to welcoming visitors to this special event.
To find more unique cultural experiences in Amsterdam, you can browse museums or view them on the interactive map with Musemap (musemap.art).
