Museum Batavialand

Current exhibitions

About the museum

Museum Batavialand was created in 2017 from the merger of three institutions on the Markermeer in Lelystad: the Bataviawerf shipyard, the Nieuw Land Erfgoedcentrum, and the maritime depot of the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed (Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands).

Master shipbuilder Willem Vos founded the shipyard in 1985 to build a faithful replica of the VOC ship Batavia, built in 1628 and wrecked off Australia in 1629. With the help of hundreds of young people in training, the replica was completed by 1995 using traditional techniques; this was followed by a replica of the flagship De Zeven Provinciën, halted in 2014 due to lack of funds, and from 2015 by the reconstruction of a 16th-century waterschip. The Nieuw Land Erfgoedcentrum told the story of the area's prehistory, the struggle against the water, and the draining of the Zuiderzee, and also served as the archive of the youngest province of the Netherlands.

Since 2021, the museum has managed the Nationaal Scheepsarcheologisch Depot (national maritime archaeology depot) with around 40,000 finds from shipwrecks, as well as the archaeological depot of the province of Flevoland. The exhibition spaces include wreck parts, prehistoric finds of the Swifterbant culture, and a 60-meter-long wall on the history of Flevoland.

The museum is currently undergoing a complete renewal: ship, shipyard, and exhibitions are to be brought together in one place. As a first step, the Batavia was moved onto land in fall 2026; the reopening is planned for late 2028.

Highlights

• Replica of the 1628 VOC ship Batavia (currently not accessible)
• Historic shipyard with forge, wood carving, rigging, and sail loft
• 1:10 scale model of De Zeven Provinciën with life-size carvings
• The roughly 300-year-old wreck of the Ventjager in “Vergane schepen”
• Prehistoric finds such as the reconstruction of the Swifterbant man
• Interactive Watertheater on water management

Permanent exhibitions

• Oud Land – Prehistorie van Flevoland – Prehistory of today's Flevoland with an aurochs skull, the skeleton “Michelle,” 6,200-year-old pottery, and a new facial reconstruction of the Swifterbant man.
• Vergane schepen – Shipwrecks from the drained Zuiderzee seabed, including the roughly 300-year-old Ventjager, and the conservation of the medieval IJsselkogge.
• Het Watertheater – Interactive area where young and old discover through play how dikes, locks, and polders keep the land dry.

Founded

2017

Operated by

Stichting Erfgoedpark Batavialand

Director

Ariane Hoog

Admission & discounts

One ticket covers the exhibition spaces, shipyard, and Batavia (the ship is currently not accessible). Free with the Museumkaart, likewise with the VriendenLoterij VIP-KAART (one person per card). 25% discount with an Aviodrome ticket. Card payment only (PIN) at the ticket desk.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Exhibition spaces are wheelchair-accessible with wide paths, an elevator, and adapted restrooms. The shipyard is largely passable by wheelchair, though some paths are unpaved; the sail loft is accessible by stairs only. The Batavia is not wheelchair-accessible due to narrow passageways, steep stairs, and low ceilings. Accessible restrooms in the exhibition building and the shipyard; loan wheelchairs and crutches at both entrances. Accessible parking spaces at the museum, at Batavia Stad, and in the VOC-garage.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

In the Watertheater, children build dikes and operate locks; in the archaeology section, they can piece together pottery shards. Activities for children and parents during school holidays. Reduced child and family rates.

Getting there & parking

Alternative GPS address if you have problems: Bataviaplein 2, Lelystad; follow the signs for Batavia Stad. Boat moorings in the Batavia Haven, about five minutes' walk away. Bike parking in front of the entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant De Taveerne at the shipyard with a terrace, open Sat/Sun and daily during school holidays (opening hours page: 10:00–17:00; restaurant page: 11:00–17:00). The museum shop is accessible without a ticket. Card payment only throughout.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 2,500 guests.

Rooms include the Bestevaerkamer (70), Commandeurskamer (40), IJsselmeerzaal (90), Ontginningszalen (120), De Verrekijker (200), De Steiger (150), Binnenplaats courtyard (500), and Restaurant De Taveerne (200); the Grote Kajuit and IJsselmeerzaal are not available during opening hours. Events for up to 2,500 people. Photo and film shoots by registration (reserveringen@batavialand.nl).

Plan your visit