National Maritime Museum Accessible Tour
Wheelchair accessible experience
Explore 500 Years of Dutch Maritime History at Het Scheepvaart National Maritime Museum
Embark on a fascinating private, guided tour at the Het Scheepvaart National Maritime Museum and delve into 500 years of Dutch maritime history. With an impressive collection of over 400,000 objects and the opportunity to board one of three historic ships docked at the jetty, this experience offers something for everyone in the family.
Begin your journey at the entrance, where your guide will introduce you to the rich and storied past of Dutch seafaring. The museum boasts one of the world’s largest and most distinguished maritime collections, featuring a wide array of exhibits. Marvel at intricate paintings, detailed ship models, navigational instruments, and historical maps depicting famous voyages. Learn about pivotal moments in history, such as the Dutch Golden Age, when the Netherlands was a dominant maritime power, with its fleet exploring and trading across the globe.
Interactive displays and multimedia installations provide an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The museum also features a captivating exhibit titled “The Tale of the Whale,” which explores humanity’s evolving relationship with these magnificent creatures over the centuries.
One of the highlights of your visit will be the East Indiaman Amsterdam, a meticulously crafted replica of the iconic ship that tragically sank on its maiden voyage in 1749. Step aboard and immerse yourself in the 18th-century seafaring life, and don’t miss the chance to embark on a Virtual Reality journey back to the Dutch Golden Age.
With a perfect blend of education and entertainment, Het Scheepvaart National Maritime Museum offers an enriching and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
The guided tours offered by Accessible Travel Netherlands can be tailored to meet your specific needs. You can arrange different routes and times to fit your preferences. Your guide will ensure that the tour is accessible for wheelchair users, and all locations included in the tour have accessible entrances. Each stage of the tour has been carefully selected by the Accessible Travel Netherlands team to ensure a comfortable and engaging experience.
Highlights
- Het Schepvaartmuseum
- Maritime history
- The Tale of the Whale
- Navigational instruments and maps
- Maritime art and artifacts
- East Indiaman Amsterdam Ship
Accessibility info
- Flat terrain
- Use of sidewalk ramps
- Involve walking/rolling between the sites
- Accessible toilet
- Elevators available
- To visit the ship VOC Amsterdam there is an external elevator for visitorswith wheelchairs. Unfortunately, the upper and lower decks cannot be accessed. From the door leading to the pier there is a rise of a few cm. The inner sle ports are manually operated and are heavy.
Included
- Private tour with a professional guide
- Ticket skip-the-line
- Tour adjustable to your wishes
- Duration: 1, or 2 hours
- Start: in front of the National Maritime Museum
- Participants: max 10 per guide
Not included:
- Food/drinks
- Transfer
Discover the tour
Het Scheepvaartmuseum
Begin your journey at the majestic entrance of Het Scheepvaartmuseum, an architectural gem that once served as the Dutch Admiralty’s arsenal. Built in 1656, this historic building, with its stately facade and beautiful courtyard, sets the stage for a deep dive into maritime history. The museum’s design combines classic and modern elements, making it both an inviting and awe-inspiring start to your visit. Accessible pathways and modern facilities ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Maritime History
Step into the Maritime History, where centuries of Dutch naval prowess and exploration come to life. This hall features stunning displays of ship models, ancient navigational instruments, and evocative paintings. You’ll discover stories of famous explorers like Abel Tasman and Willem Barentsz, whose voyages charted unknown territories and expanded the world map. Detailed exhibits cover the Golden Age of Dutch maritime dominance, illustrating the country’s rise as a global trading power. Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations make history accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages, bringing the past vividly to life.
The Tale of the Whale
Next, venture into “The Tale of the Whale,” an enthralling exhibit that examines humanity’s relationship with whales over the centuries. From the early days of whaling to the modern conservation movement, this exhibit combines artifacts, models, and interactive displays to tell the story of these majestic creatures. You’ll learn about the economic impact of whaling on Dutch society, the techniques used in hunting and processing whales, and the shift towards protection and conservation in recent times. The exhibit is designed to be informative and thought-provoking, providing insights into the changing perceptions of whales and their role in our world.
Navigational Instruments and Maps
Continue your tour in the Navigational Instruments and Maps Gallery. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of tools and charts that were essential for seafarers navigating the globe. Examine beautifully crafted astrolabes, compasses, and detailed maps that reveal the extent of Dutch exploration and trade routes. The gallery provides a fascinating glimpse into the science and art of navigation, highlighting the ingenuity and skill required to traverse the world’s oceans. You’ll see maps that document early discoveries, the development of more accurate cartography, and the strategic importance of navigation in maritime dominance
Maritime Art and Artifacts
Wander through the Maritime Art and Artifacts Gallery, where you can admire paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that capture the essence of seafaring life. The collection includes works by renowned maritime artists, depicting dramatic sea battles, serene harbor scenes, and the everyday life of sailors. Artifacts on display range from personal items belonging to sailors to intricate figureheads that once adorned the bows of ships. This gallery provides a cultural and artistic context to the historical and technological exhibits, offering a well-rounded perspective on maritime heritage.
East Indiaman Amsterdam Ship
Head outside to the jetty, where the East Indiaman Amsterdam awaits. This full-scale replica of the ship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1749 offers an immersive experience of 18th-century maritime life. Explore the ship’s decks, cabins, and cargo holds, and imagine the challenges faced by sailors on long voyages. You can see where the crew slept, how they stored food and supplies, and the kind of goods they transported. A Virtual Reality journey transports you back to the Dutch Golden Age, offering a dynamic historical perspective that combines visual and sensory elements to bring history to life.
- To visit the ship VOC Amsterdam there is an external elevator for visitorswith wheelchairs. Unfortunately, the upper and lower decks cannot be accessed. From the door leading to the pier there is a rise of a few cm. The inner sle ports are manually operated and are heavy.