Marine Corps Museum in Rotterdam

The Marine Corps Museum in Rotterdam, known in Dutch as the Mariniersmuseum, tells the story of the Netherlands Marine Corps (Korps Mariniers), from its founding in 1665 to the present day. The museum is on the Wijnhaven, close to the Oude Haven, with views of the Maas and the Willemsbrug. It was right here that marines defended the north bank by the bridges in May 1940. Inside you will see uniforms, weapons and vehicles, but above all the people who wore and used them. In Mariniers op Missie (Marines on a Mission) you get to work yourselves as a team. The museum is small and personal, which makes it easy to manage with children.

What you see at the Marine Corps Museum

The museum shows the history of the corps through real objects and real stories. You will see authentic uniforms and weapons, as well as vehicles such as a BandVagn 206 tracked vehicle used by the marines. The displays put the person behind the marine first: who were they, where were they deployed and what did they go through? A separate section covers the defence of Rotterdam in May 1940, just before the bombing. There are also changing exhibitions. The museum calls itself small with a big story, and that is a fair description: you get close to the people without getting lost in endless galleries.

Rotterdam and the marines

The bond between Rotterdam and the marines goes back a long way. In 1665 the first soldiers for service at sea were placed on ships of the Rotterdam Admiralty. In 1938 the corps started its own historical collection, but it was lost in the fire that followed the bombing of 12 May 1940. Only the regimental colour was saved. After the war, collecting began again. In May 1980 the museum opened to the public in buildings of the Hulstkamp distillery on the Noordereiland. In 1995 it moved to the Wijnhaven, close to the bridges the marines defended in the May days of 1940. So the museum stands right in the middle of the story it tells.

Mariniers op Missie

If you would rather do than look, the museum has Mariniers op Missie. After a short briefing, your team receives a mission that you have to carry out yourselves. Working together, making quick decisions and listening carefully matter just as much as they do in the real corps. The activity is meant for all ages, so parents and children can take part together. The museum describes itself as ideal for families and has a separate page with information for children. There are also programmes for schools and groups. Check the website to see what is available on the day of your visit.

Tips for visiting the Marine Corps Museum

Your Museumkaart is valid here. Combine your visit with a walk along the Oude Haven and the Wijnhaven, the old harbour area of the city. The Maritime Museum on the Leuvehaven is within walking distance, with historic ships and cranes in its Museumhaven. If you want to know more about Rotterdam in the Second World War, Museum Rotterdam '40 '45 NU is a logical next stop. If you are coming with children, set aside time for Mariniers op Missie, because they often want to stay longer than you expect.

Frequently asked questions about the Mariniersmuseum

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