Amsterdam
Amsterdam · Maritime Focus

Exhibitions at National Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum)

Discover how Dutch maritime history is brought to life through rotating displays.

The National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam showcases Dutch seafaring history through its dynamic exhibition program. This page provides insights into the types of displays you can expect, from navigation to shipbuilding, and how they explore maritime culture. Understand the changing themes to plan your visit.

National Maritime Museum
3 exhibitions on now
Featured exhibitions at National Maritime Museum
Highlights and recommended shows in Amsterdam
Explore featured exhibitions at National Maritime Museum, including priority recommendations and high-interest shows to add to your visit plan in Amsterdam.
A watercolor illustration of a humpback whale breaching in purple and blue hues, with a historical Dutch sailing ship in the background, representing the exhibition 'The Story of the Whale' at the Scheepvaartmuseum.

Het verhaal van de Walvis: Humanity's Story with Whales and Ocean Conservation

Explore marine history, environmental challenges, and the changing role of whales.

Discover the fascinating saga of whales, from ancient myths to modern conservation. This interactive journey highlights historical perspectives on whaling and the pressing issue of ocean pollution, perfect for an educational family outing. Learn about different species and how to protect marine environments.

Whale Story Exhibition
A whimsical watercolor illustration of a diver exploring a colorful coral reef, searching for a lost lighthouse lamp in the Duiker Doris museum exhibition.
From Jan 1, 2023

Duiker Doris: Interactive Maritime Exhibition for Families at the National Maritime Museum

An exciting adventure exploring a magical water world for children 2+.

Join Duiker Doris on a thrilling quest to find a lost lighthouse lamp in this interactive exhibition. Families with children aged 2 and older will discover a wondrous water world through engaging activities and imaginative installations by Kwennie Cheng. It's a perfect introduction to maritime adventures.

Duiker Doris Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of the VOC Ship Amsterdam, a 17th-century Dutch East India Company sailing ship replica, docked at a pier with visitors exploring its decks and the city skyline in the background.

Discover the VOC Ship Amsterdam Replica at the National Maritime Museum

Experience 17th-century seafaring and Dutch East India Company history.

Step aboard the faithfully reconstructed VOC Ship Amsterdam to explore life on a 17th-century vessel. Learn about the ship's trade routes, its significant building project, and the complex history of the Dutch East India Company.

VOC Ship Amsterdam
A detailed watercolor illustration of a historic sailing ship model on display in a museum gallery, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and historical accuracy.
Sep 26, 2020 – Sep 26, 2020

Historische scheepsmodelbouw expo: An Exhibition on Exquisite Ship Model Building and Maritime Heritage

Discover Dutch and international craftsmanship in historical maritime replicas.

Explore an exceptional collection of historical ship models created by skilled builders. This exhibition showcases centuries-old traditions, from initial designs to finely scaled replicas, highlighting intricate maritime craftsmanship and history.

Exhibition Details
A watercolor illustration of children and adults participating in maritime-themed activities at Het Scheepvaartmuseum during Meivakantie, including crafting, storytelling, and exploring a ship replica.
Apr 18, 2025 – May 3, 2025

National Maritime Museum May Holiday: Engaging Family Activities and Maritime Experiences

Discover special workshops, storytelling, and an environmental cleanup event.

Families can explore a diverse program at the National Maritime Museum during the May holidays. Participate in creative workshops, enjoy captivating storytelling, and join efforts to clean up Amsterdam's canals.

May Holiday Program
Watercolor illustration of a fashion exhibition titled 'Maritime Culture & Fashion,' featuring sea-inspired designs on mannequins, including nautical-themed garments and sailboats in the background.
Oct 11, 2025 – Apr 11, 2026

Oceanista - Fashion & Sea: Discover Maritime Culture's Enduring Influence on Design

Explore how the ocean inspires designers from Gaultier to Van Herpen.

Uncover the profound connection between the sea and fashion history at 'Oceanista - Fashion & Sea'. This exhibition presents diverse designs, from historical garments to modern creations, illustrating the ocean's role as a constant muse. Learn about its impact on materials, forms, and symbolism.

Oceanista Exhibition
Current and ongoing exhibitions
What you can see right now at National Maritime Museum
Browse ongoing exhibitions currently available at National Maritime Museum, including active installations and permanent displays open to visitors in Amsterdam.
A watercolor illustration of a humpback whale breaching in purple and blue hues, with a historical Dutch sailing ship in the background, representing the exhibition 'The Story of the Whale' at the Scheepvaartmuseum.

Het verhaal van de Walvis: Humanity's Story with Whales and Ocean Conservation

Explore marine history, environmental challenges, and the changing role of whales.

Discover the fascinating saga of whales, from ancient myths to modern conservation. This interactive journey highlights historical perspectives on whaling and the pressing issue of ocean pollution, perfect for an educational family outing. Learn about different species and how to protect marine environments.

Whale Story Exhibition
A whimsical watercolor illustration of a diver exploring a colorful coral reef, searching for a lost lighthouse lamp in the Duiker Doris museum exhibition.
From Jan 1, 2023

Duiker Doris: Interactive Maritime Exhibition for Families at the National Maritime Museum

An exciting adventure exploring a magical water world for children 2+.

Join Duiker Doris on a thrilling quest to find a lost lighthouse lamp in this interactive exhibition. Families with children aged 2 and older will discover a wondrous water world through engaging activities and imaginative installations by Kwennie Cheng. It's a perfect introduction to maritime adventures.

Duiker Doris Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of the VOC Ship Amsterdam, a 17th-century Dutch East India Company sailing ship replica, docked at a pier with visitors exploring its decks and the city skyline in the background.

Discover the VOC Ship Amsterdam Replica at the National Maritime Museum

Experience 17th-century seafaring and Dutch East India Company history.

Step aboard the faithfully reconstructed VOC Ship Amsterdam to explore life on a 17th-century vessel. Learn about the ship's trade routes, its significant building project, and the complex history of the Dutch East India Company.

VOC Ship Amsterdam
Past exhibitions archive
Recently completed shows at National Maritime Museum
Review past exhibitions from National Maritime Museum to understand previous themes, curatorial direction, and the museum’s recent program history in Amsterdam.
Watercolor illustration of a fashion exhibition titled 'Maritime Culture & Fashion,' featuring sea-inspired designs on mannequins, including nautical-themed garments and sailboats in the background.
Oct 11, 2025 – Apr 11, 2026

Oceanista - Fashion & Sea: Discover Maritime Culture's Enduring Influence on Design

Explore how the ocean inspires designers from Gaultier to Van Herpen.

Uncover the profound connection between the sea and fashion history at 'Oceanista - Fashion & Sea'. This exhibition presents diverse designs, from historical garments to modern creations, illustrating the ocean's role as a constant muse. Learn about its impact on materials, forms, and symbolism.

Oceanista Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of children and adults participating in maritime-themed activities at Het Scheepvaartmuseum during Meivakantie, including crafting, storytelling, and exploring a ship replica.
Apr 18, 2025 – May 3, 2025

National Maritime Museum May Holiday: Engaging Family Activities and Maritime Experiences

Discover special workshops, storytelling, and an environmental cleanup event.

Families can explore a diverse program at the National Maritime Museum during the May holidays. Participate in creative workshops, enjoy captivating storytelling, and join efforts to clean up Amsterdam's canals.

May Holiday Program
A detailed watercolor illustration of a historic sailing ship model on display in a museum gallery, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and historical accuracy.
Sep 26, 2020 – Sep 26, 2020

Historische scheepsmodelbouw expo: An Exhibition on Exquisite Ship Model Building and Maritime Heritage

Discover Dutch and international craftsmanship in historical maritime replicas.

Explore an exceptional collection of historical ship models created by skilled builders. This exhibition showcases centuries-old traditions, from initial designs to finely scaled replicas, highlighting intricate maritime craftsmanship and history.

Exhibition Details
About National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam

National Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum)

Amsterdam · Dutch Seafaring History

HistoryLocal heritage

This page provides a comprehensive overview of the National Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum), helping you understand its unique focus on Dutch seafaring. Plan your visit to this captivating Amsterdam institution and delve into centuries of maritime innovation. Use Musemap to find more historical sites or cultural venues across Amsterdam and enhance your exploration.

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Find Current Museum Exhibitions and Cultural Art Shows in Amsterdam

A curated selection of artistic and historical programs to explore.

Delve into the vibrant world of Amsterdam's museum programs, showcasing a variety of themes from contemporary art to historical artifacts. Uncover engaging cultural exhibitions across the city's numerous venues, offering enriching experiences for all interests.

Explore National Maritime Museum with Amsterdam
Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Amsterdam
Find everything about National Maritime Museum in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.
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Use this curated list to compare museums near National Maritime Museum without opening multiple search pages. Each card gives you fast visual context and direct access to key details so you can decide quickly. If you are building a full day in Amsterdam, this section helps you chain nearby visits with less planning effort.