Discover one of Amsterdam’s most extraordinary architectural landmarks at Museum Het Schip, located in the historic Spaarndammerbuurt district.
Built in 1919 and designed by visionary architect Michel de Klerk, the expressive brick complex looks almost like a sculpture — with dramatic curves, towers, intricate decorative details and a tapered floor plan that gave the building its nickname: Het Schip (“The Ship”).
During the guided tour*, you will explore both the architecture and the social story behind the Amsterdam School — a movement that believed beautiful design could improve everyday life.
On the guided tour, you will:
• Discover the story of the Amsterdam School movement and its progressive social ideals
• Admire the art and architecture intertwining in the Schip complex
• Step inside a beautifully restored 1920s workers’ apartment
• Visit the historic post office designed by Michel de Klerk
• Enter a reconstructed “slum dwelling” (krotwoning) and experience the harsh living conditions that inspired modern social housing
*Guided tours depart every hour starting at 12:00. The 15:00 tour is conducted in English. The guided tour is optional and requires a small surcharge.
Exhibitions
In addition to the guided tour, you can explore the museum’s exhibitions at your own pace. In the permanent exhibition Amsterdam School, Imagined Ideals, you will learn all about the Amsterdam School movement and see great examples of design, art and architecture.
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on architecture, design and social history, with past and current topics ranging from Antoni Gaudí, women of the Amsterdam School, and Dutch-Indonesian history.
Temporary exhibitions change regularly — please check the museum’s website for the current program.
Located just outside the busy city centre, this remarkable building complex is one of Amsterdam’s best hidden architectural gems and offers a fascinating perspective on the city’s history of housing, design, and social reform.
