Nationaal Reddingmuseum Dorus Rijkers

About the museum

The Nationaal Reddingmuseum was founded on 10 July 1981 and grew from the collecting passion of a few volunteers into an interactive museum. It tells the story of sea rescue in the Netherlands and bears the name of Dorus Rijkers, the legendary lifeboat coxswain from Den Helder. He became famous in 1887, among other things, when he and his crew rescued 23 shipwrecked sailors from the German ship Renown, which had run aground off Den Helder, and for this received a gold pocket watch from the German Kaiser, which is now in the museum.

At first the museum was housed in the city centre of Den Helder. In 2002 it moved to a former engine workshop on the Willemsoord site, the former naval shipyard. In 2015 part of the building had to be given up to the new theatre De Kampanje; a comprehensive renovation allowed the museum to renew its exhibition.

The collection comprises more than 5,000 objects from the period 1824 to 2016, divided into seventeen sub-collections, including paintings, photographs, navigation and radio equipment, rescue equipment and awards. The eye-catchers are the boats, from rowing lifeboats of Rijkers’s era to the fast RIBs of today’s rescue organisation KNRM. Seven seaworthy historic lifeboats are moored at the museum jetty. The museum is run by three permanent staff and about 65 volunteers.

Highlights

• Wind tunnel with wind force 10 and driving simulator
• VR rescue mission aboard the harbour lifeboat Nh1816
• Hero game, knot table and Morse station to try out
• Seven seaworthy historic lifeboats at the museum jetty
• Dorus Rijkers’s gold pocket watch and a cork life jacket from 1830
• Free audio tour for adults and children

Permanent exhibitions

• Vaste tentoonstelling – Large permanent exhibition on the history of sea rescue with lifeboats from rowing boats to RIBs, films, a wind tunnel and many interactive stations.
• VR-Experience Nh1816 – Virtual rescue operation aboard the KNRM harbour lifeboat Nh1816: alarm, man overboard, recovery of a shipwreck survivor.

Founded

1981

Operated by

Stichting Exploitatie Nationaal Reddingmuseum Dorus Rijkers

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart, KNRM donor pass, KNRM staff card, Jonge Redders-Pas and for Friends of the museum. Tickets are sold online via Full House Technology.

Accessibility

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

The museum bears the International Symbol of Access; there is a lift, an accessible toilet and no thresholds; wheelchairs and rollators are available for loan. Disabled parking spaces near the entrance. The entrance is shared with the theatre De Kampanje and leads through a revolving door into a central hall; larger mobility scooters have difficulty fitting through the revolving door, and staff will open another entrance on request. The VR experience is wheelchair-accessible. Only assistance dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Children up to 3 free, ages 4–12 €8. Plenty to try out: wind tunnel, driving simulator, Morse code, flag signals, knot table and hero game; children’s audio tour and birthday quest. During school holidays there are additional activities such as learning knots, drawing lifeboats or a treasure hunt. Children’s birthday party €15 per child (including a party bag and, in season, a boat trip; two accompanying adults free).

Getting there & parking

The museum entrance is behind the entrance of the theatre De Kampanje on the historic naval site Willemsoord; follow the signposts.

Amenities & dining

There are several restaurants on the Willemsoord site; for groups, catering is arranged with local caterers.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

An official wedding venue since 2022; also group and corporate events (e.g. silent disco, laser game among the boats) and a meeting room for up to 12 people with a view of the inner harbour (€75 per hour or €250 per half day plus 21% VAT, including coffee and tea). Catering via local restaurateurs.

Plan your visit