Founded in 1874, the Maritime Museum Rotterdam is the oldest and largest maritime museum in the Netherlands, and one of the most significant maritime heritage institutions in the world. Situated in the heart of the city that has been the gateway to Europe for centuries, the museum preserves and presents the full sweep of Dutch and global maritime history.
The museum's collection spans over 800,000 objects — from ship models, navigational instruments, and naval charts to paintings, photographs, and personal archives. Among its most celebrated exhibits is the historic steam vessel SS Rotterdam, which serves as both a floating museum and a reminder of the golden age of ocean travel.
Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and digital initiatives, the Maritime Museum Rotterdam connects new generations with the seafaring heritage that shaped the modern world. Its partnership with the Historic Ships Network reflects a shared commitment to preserving maritime memory for posterity.