Museum Het Schip, Architecture museum in Spaarndammerbuurt, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Museum Het Schip is a red brick residential complex with curved walls, tower-like features, and decorative masonry throughout its design. The site includes original apartments where visitors can see how people lived, a restored 1920s post office, and exhibition spaces exploring the building's story.
The building opened in 1919, designed by Michel de Klerk to address a 1901 law requiring better housing for workers. It represents a turning point when architects began using design to improve living conditions for ordinary people.
The building reflects how Amsterdam School architects merged artistic vision with social purpose, creating homes designed to improve daily life for working people. You can see this philosophy expressed in every decorated corner and thoughtfully designed room.
The museum is best explored on a guided tour available in several languages throughout the day. Reserve time to walk through the original rooms at your own pace after the tour if you want to take in more details.
The name 'Het Schip' comes from its ship-like appearance, with curved forms suggesting a vessel's bow and deck. This playful design approach was typical of how Amsterdam School architects brought creativity even to everyday housing.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
