Visitor Update: 'Doris the Diver' Exhibition Temporarily Closed at Amsterdam's National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum) in Amsterdam has announced a brief temporary closure for its popular 'Doris the Diver' exhibition, an adventurous experience specifically designed for the museum's youngest visitors. This closure is scheduled to allow for essential maintenance work to be carried out.
The engaging underwater-themed exhibition will be unavailable from Wednesday, December 4th, through Friday, December 6th. This maintenance is being conducted to ensure the space is in perfect condition and ready to welcome families during the upcoming Christmas holiday period. Visitors can anticipate the reopening of 'Doris the Diver' on Saturday, December 7th.
Discovering Family-Friendly Alternatives at the National Maritime Museum
While 'Doris the Diver' undergoes its refresh, the National Maritime Museum continues to offer a wide array of engaging activities and exhibitions suitable for families and children of various ages, ensuring a rich cultural experience.
Dive into Fascinating Exhibitions and Historical Ships
One notable option is 'The Tale of the Whale' exhibition, which explores humanity's evolving relationship with whales throughout history, including the impact of whaling. This educational exhibit is particularly suited for children aged six and up. Visitors can also 'step aboard the East Indiaman', an impressive replica of the Amsterdam, offering an immersive journey into the life of a 17th-century merchant ship.
Interactive Learning and Creative Play
For a self-guided experience, a dedicated junior audiotour provides an entertaining and educational way for children to explore various museum highlights. Additionally, the museum offers a free 'Sea Monsters' color-and-activity sheet, available at its café during opening hours, encouraging young artists to use their imagination to complete fantastical marine creatures.
Celebrate the Festive Season with a Special Program
Looking ahead to the festive period, the National Maritime Museum will host a special Christmas holiday program from December 21st to January 5th. Developed in collaboration with Cinekid, this program includes craft activities, a pop-up cinema, and other creative experiences designed for all family members. For those seeking a more in-depth exploration, 'guided tours' are available, led by museum guides who share captivating stories about the collections and specific themes, such as the human-whale relationship.
This temporary closure allows the museum to enhance its offerings, ensuring a high-quality visitor experience, especially as the Christmas holidays approach. For more cultural discoveries in Amsterdam and beyond, Musemap (musemap.art) helps you explore local attractions and plan your next adventure. You can browse other museums or explore the city's cultural map for more inspiration.
