Is the National Maritime Museum open on public holidays?

The museum is closed on **King’s Day (27 April)**, **Christmas Day (25 December)**, and **New Year’s Day (1 January)**. On most other public holidays, it operates during regular opening hours.

Do I need to book tickets for a specific time?

Yes, tickets must be purchased for a specific day and are only valid on that date. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your visit.

Can I buy tickets at the entrance?

Yes, you can buy tickets at the museum on the day of your visit. However, purchasing online ahead of time usually means a faster entry and avoids waiting at the ticket counter.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend about **2–3 hours** exploring the museum galleries and the East Indiaman Amsterdam ship, though some people stay longer to enjoy temporary exhibitions or the full audio guide.

Are there extended or evening hours?

The museum generally closes at **5 pm** with no regular evening opening hours. Special events or cultural programmes may occasionally run later, so check the museum’s calendar if you’re planning a visit around an event

Is the museum accessible to visitors with reduced mobility?

Yes, all exhibitions and facilities can be reached by elevator, and there is partial accessibility on the East Indiaman Amsterdam ship via a special lift. Companions of guests needing assistance are admitted free with a booked ticket.

National Maritime Museum Opening Hours

National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	10:00–17:00
Tuesday (Today)	10:00–17:00
Wednesday	10:00–17:00
Thursday	10:00–17:00
Friday	10:00–17:00
Saturday	10:00–17:00
Sunday	10:00–17:00

Closed: April 27, December 25, January 1

Book your tickets to National Maritime Museum

Amsterdam: National Maritime Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

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Combo (Save 8%): National Maritime Museum Tickets + Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Free cancellation

Flexible duration

Audio guide

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Combo (Save 7%): NEMO Science Museum + National Maritime Museum Tickets

Free cancellation

Flexible duration

Audio guide

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Combo (Save 7%): National Maritime Museum + Body Worlds Amsterdam Tickets

Free cancellation

Flexible duration

Audio guide

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Best time to visit the National Maritime Museum

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays: Mornings, especially, are much quieter, offering a more relaxed and immersive experience. Less crowded galleries and interactive exhibits allow you to take your time. However, the museum may host school groups or educational tours, which can slightly increase noise levels during mornings and early afternoons.
Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays see more families and tourists exploring the exhibits. Special events or workshops are more likely to be scheduled on weekends. Expect longer lines at ticket counters and interactive exhibits. Popular areas, such as the replica ship or virtual reality experiences, may be busier.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak Season (April–August): Warmer weather and longer daylight hours make this the ideal time to explore the museum. During these months, the museum also hosts more events and exhibitions. However, higher visitor numbers mean larger crowds and longer lines for tickets and exhibits.
Low Season (September–March): With fewer visitors, you can enjoy a quieter, more relaxed experience. Access to exhibits is easier, making it a great choice for families or anyone wanting to avoid crowds. Keep in mind that shorter daylight hours and colder, rainy weather may limit outdoor exploration.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at the National Maritime Museum?

1–2 hours

If you’re short on time, focus on the main exhibits that showcase Dutch maritime history and head straight to the East Indiaman Amsterdam, a large ship replica you can walk through. You can also briefly explore key galleries on navigation and trade.

2–3 hours

This is a good amount of time for a complete visit. You can see the permanent galleries in the historic museum building, explore the East Indiaman Amsterdam thoroughly and enjoy interactive exhibits that bring the Netherlands’ maritime past to life.

3–4 hours

For a more immersive visit, explore the exhibitions with the audio guide, then relax with a coffee at the museum café. If you have time, a combo ticket lets you visit the NEMO Science Museum or take an Amsterdam Canal Cruise.

Frequently asked questions about the National Maritime Museum's opening hours

The National Maritime Museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. The museum shop also operates within these hours, and the library is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm.