Nationaal Sleepvaart Museum
Museum in Maassluis on Dutch sea, harbour and inland towing, with around 200 models, a photo archive and films.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Since 1979 the Nationaal Sleepvaart Museum has told the history of Dutch towing and pushing shipping. It is housed in a centuries-old house in the historic centre of Maassluis, which has plenty of atmosphere but comes with uneven floors, stairs and no lift.
The rooms are organised by area of operation: the Zeezaal shows ocean towing on seas and oceans, the Havenzaal harbour towage in bringing seagoing ships in and out and mooring them, the Rivierzaal Rhine and inland towing and pushing. There is also a salvage hall with salvage vessels and floating cranes, a Burgemeester and Filmzaal, and a wedding and exhibition hall. The permanent exhibition also covers related fields such as sea rescue, salvage, diving, offshore work and heavy transport, which grew out of towing shipping.
The collection includes around 300 ship models, of which about 200 are on permanent display, as well as about 120,000 tug photographs, around 200 films, a specialist library of books and magazines, maritime paintings and many everyday objects. Construction drawings are available on request. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent exhibition; group visits can be combined with a visit to the tugs in the harbour.
Highlights
- Around 300 ship models, about 200 of them permanently on display
- Themed halls for ocean, harbour and river towing as well as salvage
- Archive with about 120,000 tug photographs and 200 films
- Historic house in the centre of Maassluis
- Group tours can also be combined with tugs in the harbour
Permanent exhibition
- Dauerausstellung Sleepvaart – The history of Dutch towing and pushing shipping told through about 200 models on display and further objects, arranged by area of operation.
- Founded
- 1979
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3CJP holders and people aged 65 and over |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 12 pay €3; under 4 free. |
| Seniors | €3aged 65 and over |
Free with Museumkaart and Rotterdampas.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- 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 historic building has uneven floors and stairs and no lift; according to the museum it is not suitable for wheelchairs and people with walking difficulties.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop right behind the entrance with videos, posters, model building, construction plans, copperware and books.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Filming and photography in the museum are not permitted. |
| Good to know | Group tours with a maximum of 12 to 15 people per guide; a guide costs €30 extra and must be requested in good time. A group visit can be combined with a visit to the tugs in the harbour. |
