Maritime Musuem @ Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Founded in the year 1873 by Prince Henry of the Netherlands, the Maritime Museum Rotterdam is a museum you should not miss if you happen to be in the city of Rotterdam.

Being one the world's top maritime museums and oldest maritime museum in the Netherlands, the museum sails you through the great naval history of the Netherlands.

From the 15th century West European ship model, so called Mataro Model to the top model ships, Maritime Museum Rotterdam has it all. There are more than 1500 model ships collected since it opened in 1874.
History ... sounds a bit too heavy for the young ones? Worry not as the museum is equipped with maritime related playground. Toy replica of equipments in a marine ships; how nature forces such as wind helps the ships to sail. There are a wide array of maritime activities which young children could experience in the museum.
The major attraction of the museum is the iconic 19th century ram ship HNLMS Buffel, the first ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy without sails but with a steam engine and dual propellers. The museum ship is docked outside of the museum with other ships on exhibition. Do feel free to strolled around the 'little harbour' outside of the museum. There are platforms connecting many ships together. If you are lucky, you may even witness the ship restoration work by the able technicians.
 

The Maritime Museum Rotterdam is for sure an ideal hang out place for both kids and adults!

p/s: The HNLMS Buffel will soon move to Hellevoetsluis due to cost cutting. The ship was still there during my visit in last March.

Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Leuvehaven 1
3011 EA Rotterdam
Tel: 10-413 26 80
http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/

Opening hours
Tue - Sat        10:00 till 17:00
Sun and PH   11:00 till 17:00
Close on Mon

Admission charges
Adults               €7.50
Childen 4-16     €4.00