Museum Het Schip

About the museum

The museum is housed in the Het Schip housing block in western Amsterdam, which the architect Michel de Klerk designed from 1919 for the housing association Eigen Haard as an Expressionist “palace for workers”. Because of its shape, the complex is popularly known as “the Ship”; it is among the principal works of the Amsterdam School, a movement in architecture and crafts that was closely tied to the rise of social housing. Eigen Haard still owns the complex today, and an extensive restoration, supported by the Getty Foundation, was completed in 2018.

The museum has existed since 2001 and is located in the complex’s former school. The permanent exhibition on the first floor uses films, mirrors, shadow plays, soundscapes and multitouch tables to tell the story of the rise of the housing associations and of the Amsterdam School. On display are, among other things, a complete bedroom by Piet Kramer, a lamp, paintings and a cabinet by de Klerk, sculptures by Hildo Krop, and a living room that de Klerk designed for ’t Woonhuys.

The tour includes a reconstructed slum dwelling in the courtyard, the restored workers’ home in 1920s style and the former post office. It is regarded as the only original 1920s post office preserved in the Netherlands; after the postal service moved out at the end of 1999 it became part of the museum, and it has been open to visitors since 2020. The museum also operates a second site, Museum De Dageraad in Amsterdam-Zuid.

Highlights

• Het Schip housing block by Michel de Klerk (from 1919), a principal work of the Amsterdam School
• Original 1920s post office with an interior by de Klerk
• Reconstructed slum dwelling in the courtyard and restored 1920s workers’ home
• Interactive permanent exhibition with furniture, crafts and sculptures of the Amsterdam School
• Museum café with a terrace and the historic schoolyard
• Second site: Museum De Dageraad in Amsterdam-Zuid

Permanent exhibitions

• Amsterdam School: constructed ideals – Interactive permanent exhibition on the first floor about the design, craftsmanship and social ideals of the Amsterdam School, with furniture, sculptures and objects from the collection. Accessible by lift.
• Slumwohnung, Postamt, Museumswohnung – On the daily guided tour you visit a reconstructed slum dwelling, the post office designed by de Klerk and a workers’ home in 1920s style.
• Ein außergewöhnliches Postamt – The only original 1920s post office preserved in the Netherlands, designed by Michel de Klerk, is accessible only as part of the guided tours.

Founded

2001

Admission & discounts

Free with Museumkaart, VriendenLoterij VIP card and I amsterdam City Card; free admission to the exhibitions with an ICOM or Rembrandtkaart card; free with Stadspas (green dot, blue diamond). The ticket is valid for all exhibitions. Tickets are available online and at the ticket desk; the Museumkaart can be bought at the desk (aged 19 and over €75, 12–18 years €39).

Accessibility

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

The museum is wheelchair accessible; the museum home only partially. A lift serves the permanent exhibition; wheelchairs and walking sticks with a seat can be borrowed. Blind and partially sighted visitors currently need an accompanying person. The introductory film in the auditorium is subtitled, and the exhibitions have text panels. Offers for people with dementia are available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children’s museum with a treasure hunt through the collection (living in the 20th century, features of the Amsterdam School); children’s birthday parties at Het Schip or De Dageraad; children up to 4 years free.

Getting there & parking

By car, leave the A10 West ring road at exit S102 towards Westerpark, then follow Transformatorweg and Spaarndammerdijk and turn right into Oostzaanstraat (no. 45). On foot it is about half an hour from the central station via Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Museum café with a vegetarian menu, access to the museum garden and its own terrace; museum shop at the entrance with books, postcards and gadgets on the Amsterdam School, plus a web shop. The historic schoolyard is a quiet spot in the middle of the city.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Three equipped rooms (museum café, auditorium and a room in Museum De Dageraad) for meetings, workshops, lectures and receptions; catering by the in-house kitchen, and hire outside opening hours is possible.

Plan your visit