Step aboard the VOC Ship - National Maritime Museum
Visit the replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam: an essential part of your museum experience. On board, there is so much to learn about VOC ships and the history of the Dutch East India Company. A great outing for the whole family.
Life on board
What was it like to live on a ship like the Amsterdam in the 17th and 18th century? How long did such voyages take? What did sailors eat from day to day? And who were they?
The reconstructed ship
The ship currently docked is a replica, built in 1985 — a period marked by high unemployment. How did the construction of such a large ship come about? And what did people at the time think of a VOC ship like this? During your visit to the Amsterdam, you’ll get a vivid impression and experience what it’s like to be on board.
The Maritime Museum is one of the most enjoyable museums for children. With interactive exhibitions like Diver Dorisand The Story of the Whale, exciting scavenger hunts and special holiday programs, there’s always something to discover. Step aboard the VOC ship Amsterdam, learn how to navigate by the stars, and let yourself be carried away by the stories of the maritime world.
This is an estimated duration
The ’tween deck of the VOC ship (where the crew spent their breaks) is accessible for visitors using a mobility device via a lift.
The hold and upper deck are not accessible in a wheelchair.
museum | Monday to Sunday | 10:00–17:00
museum shop | Monday to Sunday | 10:00–17:00
library | Monday to Friday | 10:00–17:00
All exhibitions and facilities inside the museum building are accessible by lift. At the VOC ship Amsterdam, a lift is installed that is suitable for wheelchairs. This lift brings visitors to the ’tween deck and video room. Here you can see where the crew slept, view the cannons up close, experience the atmosphere of the hold, and watch the video presentation.
The upper deck and the lower section of the ship are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.
If you are visiting with a companion, this companion may enter free of charge. They must, however, reserve a (free) online ticket in advance with the date of the visit.
Mobility scooters are unfortunately not allowed in the museum due to the safety of the collection. You may borrow a wheelchair instead. You can reserve a wheelchair before your visit by calling 020 523 22 22 or emailing info@hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl.
Seating and museum stools
There are benches placed throughout the museum for rest. Museum stools are also available to borrow. These can be found at the entrance of the Republic at Sea exhibition and on the east side of the ground floor. You or your companion may take a stool and bring it along to any exhibition.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in the museum.
Visit the replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam: an essential part of your museum visit. On board, you can learn all about VOC ships and the history of the Dutch East India Company — a great family outing.
Life on board
What was daily life like for sailors in the 17th and 18th century? How long did voyages take? What did sailors eat? And who were the people who lived and worked on these ships?
The reconstructed ship
The ship docked today is a reconstruction built in 1985, a time marked by significant unemployment. How was such a large ship built during that period? And how did people view VOC ships back then? During your visit to the Amsterdam, you’ll get a fascinating impression of life on board.
The National Maritime Museum is one of the most exciting museums for children. With interactive exhibitions like Diver Doris and The Story of the Whale, thrilling scavenger hunts, and special holiday programming, there is always something new to explore. Step aboard the VOC ship Amsterdam, learn to navigate using the stars, and immerse yourself in the stories of the maritime world.