Museum De Delft Rotterdam

De Delft: historical shipyard Rotterdam

The historical shipyard De Delft (formerly known as Rotterdams Welvaren) is a shipyard and museum, where you can learn everything about historical vessels and old martitime skills. The highlight of this museum is the reconstruction of the 18th century ship 'De Delft', which will be one of the largest ship replicas in the world! Museum De Delft in Rotterdam is located just a stone's throw away from the shipyard where the original ship was built.

Reconstruction of ship De Delft

The original ship De Delft was built in Delfshaven in 1783 and was used to escort and protect convoys of merchant-ships of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the European waters. De Delft was equipped with 60 guns, but sank during the Battle of Camperdown against the British in 1797. This important battle marked the definitive end of an era of the Netherlands naval dominance. Pieces of De Delft's shipwreck were found at the Dutch coast neat Scheveningen in 1977. These pieces of wreckage are now displayed at Museum De Delft. The reconstuction of the ship replica began in 2001 and is still under construction today. During a visit at the shipyard, you can see the ship grow to a glorious overall length of 63 meters and a height of 57 meters!

Historical maritime skills

At Museum De Delft you'll learn all about historical shipbuilding skills. You can visit the sawmill and the workshops for figureheads and wood carving. The Museum shows films (Dutch spoken) and exhibitions about the building of the ship, the history of De Delft, life at sea and the Battle at Camperdown.

Guided tour at Shipyard De Delft in Rotterdam

You can also book a 45 minutes guided tour at De Delft shipyard. A guide will tell you everyting about the historic ship and the reconstruction project. The tour guides will show you the various workshops where parts of the ship are crafted.

Souvenir shop at Museum De Delft

After your visit to the shipyard you can visit the gift shop, where you can buy some nice souvenirs like compasses, binoculars, decorative knots-boards and books. Or you could have a break and enjoy a drink or a snack at the restaurant with a nice view at the river Maas and the workshops at the shipyard.