Amsterdam: National Maritime Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

Skip the line and explore 500 years of Dutch maritime history at your own pace with flexible entry and a multilingual audio guide.

Getting started

Head straight to the National Maritime Museum’s main entrance and present your ticket to skip the lines. There are no timed slots, so you can arrive any time during opening hours. After a quick ticket scan, collect your audio guide and begin exploring at your own pace.

What to expect

National Maritime Museum

Housed in a 17th-century naval storehouse, the National Maritime Museum offers a deep dive into the Netherlands’ seafaring legacy. With one of the world’s largest maritime collections, the museum brings to life the Dutch Golden Age and centuries of naval innovation through immersive exhibits and rare artifacts.

Features:

• VOC Ship Replica: Step aboard the Amsterdam, a full-scale replica of an 18th-century Dutch East India Company ship, and explore its decks and cargo holds.

• Royal Barge: Admire the ornately decorated Royal Barge, once used by the Dutch monarchy for ceremonial events on water.

• Steamship Christiaan Brunings: Don’t miss this historic 1900s icebreaker moored outside, a lesser-known gem in the museum’s collection.

• Interactive exhibits: Shadows on the Atlantic & Republic at Sea explore the impact of Dutch trade and naval power on global history through maps, ship models, and firsthand accounts.

• Solebay Tapestries & navigational instruments: View rare maritime art and tools that guided sailors across the world’s oceans.

• Movie Room: Transport yourself to the 17th-century port of Amsterdam, see Dutch East India Company ships sail past, and learn about VOC and life onboard the ships.

Amsterdam: National Maritime Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

Discover the National Maritime Museum on this sightseeing tour that includes all-day access, a 1-hour audio guide in 11 languages, and skip-the-line entry. Explore the museum's extensive collection of ship models, antique maps, navigational instruments, ship decorations, and stunning tapestries. Highlights include stepping aboard a replica of the East Indiaman 'Amsterdam,' time-traveling to the 17th-century port at the Movie Room, seeing the Royal Barge used by Dutch monarchs, delving into interactive exhibits like Republic at Sea, and experiencing Tale of the Whale for kids. This tour covers over 30,000 square feet of exhibition space, with a total duration of approximately four hours. The museum was established in 1864 and houses more than 500 ship models, including one of the largest model ships in the world. It features unique exhibits such as Republic at Sea, which showcases life aboard a VOC ship, and Tale of the Whale, an engaging interactive experience for children that introduces them to whales. The National Maritime Museum stands out with its comprehensive collection and historical significance, providing visitors with a deep understanding of maritime history and Dutch seafaring culture.

Explore Replica East Indiaman 'Amsterdam'

Your tour stops at the replica East Indiaman 'Amsterdam' where you can step aboard this full-scale ship built in 2016, offering an immersive experience into the life of a sailor from the Golden Age. This impressive model measures over 45 meters long and is meticulously detailed with authentic materials and craftsmanship. Visitors spend around 30 minutes exploring various parts of the ship, including the cargo hold, captain's quarters, and crew cabins. The replica provides a vivid depiction of maritime trade during the 17th century, allowing guests to understand the complexities and challenges faced by Dutch merchants and sailors. This unique feature sets it apart from other maritime museums as it offers an interactive and realistic portrayal of historical vessels.

Experience Movie Room at National Maritime Museum

The tour continues with a visit to the Movie Room, where guests can immerse themselves in a 17th-century port through a multimedia presentation. This room was added in 2015 as part of an extensive renovation project that aimed to enhance visitor engagement and historical context. The movie runs for approximately 15 minutes and uses cutting-edge technology to recreate the bustling atmosphere of Amsterdam's harbor during its peak years. Visitors can see detailed recreations of ships, docks, warehouses, and daily activities, providing a vivid snapshot of maritime life from centuries ago. This interactive experience is particularly unique due to its use of advanced audiovisual techniques that transport viewers back in time.

Discover Royal Barge Used by Dutch Monarchs

At the National Maritime Museum, guests can explore the Royal Barge used by Dutch monarchs during state occasions and ceremonial events. This ornate vessel was built in 1870 and measures over 45 meters long, featuring intricate decorations and gold leaf detailing that reflect its royal status. Visitors spend around 20 minutes examining the barge's construction, history, and significance within Dutch culture. The Royal Barge stands out among other maritime artifacts for its historical importance and opulent design, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Dutch monarchy and naval traditions.

Interactive Exhibits: Republic at Sea

The tour includes a stop at the interactive exhibit 'Republic at Sea,' which delves into life aboard a VOC ship. This engaging section was designed to provide visitors with an immersive understanding of daily life, challenges, and routines faced by sailors during Dutch colonial expansion in the 17th century. The exhibit covers approximately 500 square feet and features various interactive stations that allow guests to learn about navigation techniques, cargo management, crew dynamics, and ship maintenance. Visitors typically spend around 30 minutes exploring this area, gaining valuable insights into maritime history from a personal perspective.

Tale of the Whale for Kids

At the National Maritime Museum, children can enjoy 'Tale of the Whale,' an interactive experience that introduces them to whales and their importance in maritime culture. This exhibit was created specifically for younger visitors and covers around 100 square feet with various hands-on activities designed to educate and entertain simultaneously. The Tale of the Whale has been a popular feature since its introduction in 2018, offering children an engaging way to learn about marine life while fostering curiosity and appreciation for ocean conservation.

Tour Highlights

• Skip-the-line access at National Maritime Museum
• All-day museum admission with audio guide
• Audio guide available in 11 languages including English, Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Arabic
• Step aboard replica East Indiaman 'Amsterdam' for immersive experience
• Movie Room multimedia presentation recreating 17th-century port atmosphere
• Explore Royal Barge used by Dutch monarchs since 1870
• Interactive exhibit Republic at Sea showcasing life aboard VOC ship
• Tale of the Whale interactive experience for kids introducing marine life

Perfect for history enthusiasts, maritime lovers, and families with children, this skip-the-line tour provides an in-depth exploration of Amsterdam's rich maritime heritage through its extensive collection and unique exhibits. The four-hour duration allows you to thoroughly explore the National Maritime Museum, including stepping aboard the replica East Indiaman 'Amsterdam,' experiencing the Movie Room multimedia presentation, exploring the Royal Barge used by Dutch monarchs, delving into interactive exhibits like Republic at Sea, and enjoying Tale of the Whale for kids, giving you a comprehensive understanding of maritime history and culture.