The Rotterdam Maritime Museum was founded by Prince Hendrik in 1874. The museum has a large collection of nautical paraphernalia, including steam engines, cranes, nautical instruments and a replica of the wooden figurehead of Erasmus from the ship De Liefde, which was the first European ship to reach Japan. The highlight of the museum is the restored 1860s warship De Buffel, which is moored in the harbour. There is a section of the museum dedicated to Children, which features a number of activities and interactive exhibits.
