The famous ship De Amsterdam
Walking on the street towards the museum, you’ll immediately notice the majestic sail ship De Amsterdam. The vessel is an exact replica of a famous East Indiaman of the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) that unfortunately was wrecked during its first voyage in 1749. This type of vessel was used for months-long trips to the Far East in the 17th and 18th centuries. Amsterdam!, an exhibition inside the ship, vividly brings to life the adventures of those people on board during the long journeys.
Exciting adventures at sea
Would you like to stand face-to-face with the Dutch maritime hero Michiel de Ruyter? Then take the virtual Sea Voyage adventure. This spectacular interactive show in the Maritime Museum takes you back in time to experience what it was like to be a famous or unknown sailor: enjoy stunning starry nights in the middle of the ocean until a storm awakens and you suddenly find yourself in the midst of a battle. Not to worry – relief is on the horizon when you hear the words ‘Land ho!’.
The tale of the whale
The whale, the largest animal on earth, plays a major part in Dutch maritime history. Although whale hunting is now forbidden, this wasn’t always the case. Its baleens and oil made the marine mammal a profitable prey and nearly led to its extinction until hunting was banned. The exhibition The tale of the whale teaches visitors how these magnificent creatures have been perceived through the centuries.
Luminous sea creatures
Especially for children up to the age of 6, the museum offers the show Sal & Lori and Circus Sea. In this magical underwater world, children and their parents first ‘swim’ among luminous fish and other sea creatures. The real show begins on the deck of a ship. Sal and Lori enter the arena and head out to sea with the captain. The expertly projected images and typical sounds of the sea make this a stimulating experience for the senses.