The Main Gallery | Republic by the Sea

The Main Gallery | Republic at Sea will be the museum's new starting point. Using 50 masterpieces from the National Maritime Museum's collection, Republic at Sea tells the story of the Netherlands' growth, flourishing, and decline as a maritime nation during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Paintings, ship models, globes, silver, glass, porcelain, and weapons demonstrate the strong ties between the maritime world and Dutch society that have existed for centuries. Water has shaped the history of the Netherlands and has been decisive for the country's position in the world. Visitors will experience how naval battles, trading companies, and art in the 17th and 18th centuries are closely linked to the Netherlands' intimate relationship with water.

In its new presentation, the National Maritime Museum also reveals the dark side of the Dutch Golden Age, which unfolded under colonial rule, violence, and slavery. To further enhance this narrative, the National Maritime Museum acquired two significant acquisitions in 2018: a portrait of Admiral Cornelis Tromp by Ferdinand Bol and a sculpture of a standing figure made of Chinese famille noire porcelain. These objects place the often-overexposed success stories of our maritime history in a more nuanced perspective.

The exhibition will be open to visitors from May 10, 2019.