Mariniersmuseum

About the museum

The Korps Mariniers was founded in 1665; a first collection on its history was begun in 1938 but was lost entirely in the bombing of Rotterdam in 1940. The present museum was established in 1980, initially in the Hulstkamp building. On 10 December 1995 it moved to the Wijnhaven and was reopened by Prince Bernhard.

The building consists of four historic 18th-century merchants' houses that were rebuilt after being demolished for a railway tunnel. On display are paintings, uniforms, equipment, vehicles, documents and photographs from the history of the Corps, with a focus on the Second World War and deployments after 1945.

Visitors can get active themselves: in the "Marines on Mission" experience, teams solve tasks of a simulated mission, you can climb into the tracked vehicle BandVagn 206 and play a decision game, and there is an obstacle course as well as the shooting game FIRE!. The exhibition "Heroes" asks what courage, sense of duty and loyalty mean.

Since 2014 the museum has belonged to the Koninklijke Defensiemusea foundation and has been certified as a Kidsproof museum.

Highlights

• History of the Korps Mariniers since 1665 in four 18th-century merchants' houses
• "Marines on Mission" experience with team tasks
• Walk-in amphibious tracked vehicle BandVagn 206 with a decision game
• Obstacle course and shooting game FIRE!
• Exhibition "Heroes" on courage and loyalty

Permanent exhibitions

• Helden – The exhibition measures historical and present-day people, from Alexander the Great to care workers, against the criteria of courage, sense of duty and loyalty.
• Marines on Mission – An interactive experience in which visitors work as a team to solve the tasks of a simulated marine mission.

Founded

1980

Operated by

Stichting Koninklijke Defensiemusea

Director

Jeroen Roskam

Admission & discounts

Online tickets are about 50 cents cheaper (adults €13.50, children €7.50). Free with the Museumkaart, Rotterdampas, Veterans and Defence Pass and other cards.

Accessibility

• 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

Lifts to all floors, wheelchairs for loan available; companions of wheelchair users have free admission, assistance dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Obstacle course, the interactive mission "Marines on Mission", the shooting game FIRE! and the walk-in vehicle BandVagn 206; children's birthday parties possible. Certified as a Kidsproof museum.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

According to the website, food and drinks are available; the partner restaurant 1898 is mentioned nearby.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Three rooms (Erezaal, library with a view of the Oude Haven, "De Kajuit") for groups of up to 15 people, with projector, screen and coffee/tea; veterans and organisations of the Ministry of Defence receive a 50% discount.

Plan your visit