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In Amsterdam, a museum will be built on an 18th century shipwreck.

A spectacular underwater museum is being built in the Dutch capital, which will be built around an 18th century merchant shipwreck. The concept of the facility is extremely interesting, as the vessel that will form its heart will be located underwater. The Dutch architectural firm ZJA is responsible for the design of this unusual object.

ByMarcin Pawełczyk

Published: December 19, 2020 - 09:00

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 21:44

In Amsterdam, a museum will be built on an 18th century shipwreck.

A spectacular underwater museum is being built in the Dutch capital, which will be built around an 18th century merchant shipwreck. The concept of the facility is extremely interesting, as the vessel that will form its heart will be located underwater.

The Dutch architectural firm ZJA is responsible for the design of this unusual object. The main goal of the creators was to create an opportunity for visitors to see an authentic wreck from 271 years ago under water. This solution will also allow for better preservation of the monument.

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The fact that this 18th century ship sank off the coast of Hastings in… the UK is the best indication that we are witnessing an amazing project! Now its wreck will be moved, while still submerged(!), to a new location, which will be a dock in Amsterdam.

The wreck will be stored in a massive glass tank and the whole thing will be built according to a design created by ZJA architects. Once completed, visitors will be able to view the 40-metre-long hull from a variety of angles and perspectives.

The key exhibit is the wreck of a merchant ship once owned by the Dutch East India Company. The vessel was returning from her maiden voyage to India when she was caught in a storm. The damage from fighting the storm was so extensive that the captain deliberately rammed the ship into the shore.

As for the ‘enclosure’ of the museum itself, current plans call for a domed roof that will surround the space with technical fabric. Not only will this allow more natural light into the interior, but it will also create enough space for an elevated walkway from which visitors can view the shipwreck from above.

The museum does not yet have an official opening date, but according to ZJA representatives, it should welcome its first visitors in 2025.

About author

Marcin Pawełczyk

Marcin’s journey with diving has been an adventure. Starting as a recreational diver, he soon found himself drawn to the fascinating stories and mysteries of Baltic wrecks. After gaining experience, Marcin decided to go beyond just leisurely exploration and took his training up a notch by completing the TMX course, allowing him to explore even deeper and uncover the secrets of inaccessible places. His next challenge has been cave diving, where he is honing his skills to become a certified diver. Not content to simply take in the breathtaking beauty of underwater life, Marcin has also embraced underwater photography since 2018, capturing stunning shots that bring these worlds alive for those who are unable to experience them first-hand. Marcin’s passion for the underwater has taken him far and is sure to continue doing so as he dives into new depths and captures breathtaking images.