This summer holiday, step back in time to the era of Michiel de Ruyter at the Maritime Museum in Den Helder. Discover what life was like aboard a 17th-century warship, test if you are as strong as a sailor, and learn more about weapons, ship’s provisions, astronomy, and old crafts.
There is plenty to do for families. Set out on the new Michiel de Ruyter scavenger hunt, dive into the dress-up box, create a 17th-century family portrait, or train like a real Michiel Matroos. There are also theatre performances, workshops, and activities in the children’s art studio.
Michiel de Ruyter died 350 years ago, but his clever ideas and inventions still play a role in the navy. During the new scavenger hunt, you will discover what they are.
You can experience this
During the summer holidays, there are various activities for young and old:
- New scavenger hunt about Michiel de Ruyter
- Theater performances for the whole family
- Training as Michiel Matroos
- Activities in the children’s art studio
- create a 17th-century family portrait
- Workshops on rope making, knots, nautical provisions, and astronomy
- Demonstrations of old crafts and weapons
Summer vacation program
Michiel de Ruyter Scavenger Hunt
Discover everything about the brave and clever Michiel de Ruyter. He devised various innovations for the navy, some of which are still in use today. Can you discover which ones?
Blacksmith shop
Blacksmith Klaas shows what the blacksmith’s craft looked like in the 17th century. Using fire, anvil, and hand tools, he makes utensils such as those that were once indispensable on board. Ships needed thousands of nails, chains, anchors, and iron parts to brave the sea.
When: Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 July
Times: 11:30 to 13:00 and 13:30 to 16:30
Theater: Island Escaped
Step aboard the Abraham Crijnssen and enjoy the family show *Eiland Ontsnapt* (Island Escaped ). Discover how this extraordinary ship outsmarted the enemy. The performance lasts approximately 30 minutes.
When: every Sunday and Monday in July
Times: 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00
Meet Admiral Michiel de Ruyter’s constable
What weapons were on board a warship in the 17th century? And how did a naval battle actually work? Michiel de Ruyter’s Constable talks about cannons, rifles, and other weapons on board.
When: Tuesday, July 21
Times: 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30 and 15:30
Sundial making and astronomy
How did sailors in the past determine the time and their course without modern equipment? Discover how the sun, moon, and stars were used during long voyages at sea. Afterwards, make your own sundial based on a historical example.
When: Thursday, July 23
Times: 11:30 to 13:00 and 13:30 to 16:30
Sea Soldier School – Marine Corps School
Become a marine for a while in the time of Michiel de Ruyter. You will learn how to handle a musket and discover how tough the training of a 17th-century sea soldier was.
When: Tuesday 28 and Thursday 30 July
Times: 11:30, 12:45, 14:00 and 15:15
Please note: maximum of 20 participants per session
Michael’s Sailors
Will you become a real Michiel Matroos this holiday? Learn to march, participate in a kids’ bootcamp, and conquer the obstacles on the mini obstacle course together with your team.
When: every Wednesday and Friday during the holidays
Times: 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30
Children’s Art Studio
In the children’s workshop, there is all sorts of things to make and discover. Build a wooden submarine together, dress up as a sailor, or get to work with LEGO.
When: every Tuesday and Thursday during the holidays
Time: 11:30 to 16:00
Theater: Secret Depths
In the thrilling performance Secret Depths, you follow Sailor Bakker, who goes to work as a cook aboard a submarine. The performance lasts approximately 30 minutes.
When: every Sunday and Monday in August
Times: 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30
Tying and splicing ropes
Rope was indispensable on a sailing ship. Learn the sheet bend, clove hitch, and splice, and discover why good knots were so important on board.
When: Tuesday, August 4 and Thursday, August 6
Times: 11:30 to 13:00 and 13:30 to 16:30
17th-century family portrait
Curious what a family photo looked like 350 years ago? In the children’s workshop, you can have your picture taken with the whole family alongside Michiel de Ruyter’s family.
When: daily
Time: 11:30 to 16:00
Ship’s biscuit and lentil soup
At sea, food was simple, nutritious, and long-lasting. During this workshop, you will make your own ship’s biscuits and cook lentil soup together over an open fire: authentic sea fare from the time of Michiel de Ruyter.
When: Tuesday 11 and Thursday 13 August
Times: 11:30, 12:45, 14:00 and 15:15
Rope making
Did you know that Michiel de Ruyter worked at a ropewalk as a boy? That is where he learned the trade of rope making. During this activity, you will see how strong ship’s rope is created from loose strands, and you get to help out yourself.
When: Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20 August
Times: 11:30 to 13:00 and 13:30 to 16:30
Painting a Delft blue tile
Dive into the world of seafaring, distant lands, and exciting sea tales. Afterwards, paint a Delft Blue-style tile yourself with your own design.
When: Thursday, August 27
Times: 11:30 to 13:00 and 13:30 to 16:30
Opening hours
The Maritime Museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 .
