Nederlands Fotomuseum

The Netherlands Photo Museum is the national photography museum of the Netherlands: it collects, preserves, studies and presents the Dutch photographic heritage.

The museum occupies a key position in Dutch photography. Photography was embraced early on in the Netherlands as an art form and as a means of capturing modern society. After World War II, a socially engaged style developed that became internationally influential, while contemporary photographers like Rineke Dijkstra, Viviane Sassen, and Erwin Olaf explored new artistic directions.

Santos warehouse new home

On February 7, 2026, the Nederlands Fotomuseum, the National Museum of Photography will open its new home in the iconic Pakhuis Santos on Katendrecht. The opening in the Santos warehouse heralds a new chapter for the Netherlands' leading photography center. Inside the nine-story, state-of-the-art building, one of the country's best-preserved historic warehouses, visitors will not only have access to masterpieces from the national collection but also a unique behind-the-scenes look at the open storage spaces and restoration studios.

The new museum houses the Hall of Fame of Dutch Photography, temporary exhibitions, and educational spaces. It also features a library with the largest photo book collection in Europe, a darkroom, a café, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the Rotterdam skyline.

Open depots and studios

At the heart of the building, spread across two floors, are the Collection and the studios. Glass walls offer visitors a glimpse behind the scenes. A selection from the archives is displayed in the open storage areas, along with special and remarkable objects from the Collection. In the studios, specialists work on restoration and conservation.

Hall of Fame of Dutch Photography

The Hall of Fame of Dutch Photography shows the development of photography in the Netherlands – from the invention of photography in 1839 to the current digital age.

The Gallery of Honour presents 99 exceptional photographs selected for their social and artistic impact, including masterpieces by Anton Corbijn, Dana Lixenberg, Violette Cornelius, Ed van der Elsken, Paul Huf, Rineke Dijkstra, and Erwin Olaf. The exhibition's 100th work will be chosen by visitors.