The Nederlands Fotomuseum has officially opened its doors in its new home, the historic Santos warehouse in Rotterdam’s Rijnhaven district. On 7 February 2026, visitors can now explore one of the largest photography collections in the world in a setting that combines heritage, innovation and public accessibility.
A historic warehouse reborn as a museum Originally built between 1901 and 1902, the Santos warehouse was designed to store coffee from the Brazilian port of Santos. The monumental building, now a national heritage site, has been carefully renovated to accommodate the museum’s growing needs. With modern interventions such as a bright atrium, panoramic restaurant ZES, and 16 short-stay apartments, the Santos warehouse now blends historical architecture with contemporary functionality. The renovation was led by RENNER HAINKE WIRTH ZIRN ARCHITEKTEN (Hamburg) and WDJARCHITECTEN (Rotterdam) and executed by Burgy Bouwbedrijf (Leiden). The Nederlands Fotomuseum houses over 6.5 million photographic objects, making it one of the most significant collections worldwide. From early daguerreotypes dating back to 1842 to contemporary digital prints, the museum presents Dutch photography’s evolution. Visitors can discover work by Anton Corbijn, Ed van der Elsken, Rineke Dijkstra, Violette Cornelius and many more. Unique items include historical photographs from the former Dutch colonies by Kassian Céphas and Augusta Curiel. Permanent exhibitions and interactive learning The museum’s Gallery of Honour of Dutch Photography offers a curated journey through 180 years of photography, featuring 99 iconic images chosen for their artistic and social impact. Visitors can interact with timelines, explore cameras, and even curate their own digital photo wall. The museum also prioritizes education with workshops, guided tours, and hands-on experiences in the Hein Wertheimer darkroom, introducing children and young people to the principles of analogue photography. Showcasing conservation The second and third floors highlight the human effort behind the collection, from conservation to cataloguing and digitization. Climate-controlled display cases and open depots allow visitors to see fragile negatives preserved at 4°C and gain insight into the museum’s research. Stories of iconic photographers, including Ed van der Elsken and Johan van der Keuken, enrich the experience with personal objects and historical context. Temporary exhibitions highlighting history and innovation Two floors are dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Current shows include:
Awakening in Blue: An Ode to Cyanotype (until 7 June 2026) – contemporary artists exploring ecology, the body, and colonial history.
Rotterdam in Focus: The City in Photographs 1843 – Now (until 24 May 2026) – a visual journey with over 300 photographs documenting the city’s transformation.
A living room for photography The ground floor offers a welcoming space for visitors, complete with a library housing one of Europe’s largest photography book collections, a museum shop, reception, and Koffiebar Santos. Guests can also enjoy an authentic Photoautomat, taking four black-and-white passport-style portraits in five minutes. Plan your visit The Nederlands Fotomuseum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are available via nederlandsfotomuseum.nl. Adult tickets cost €17.50, youth 18–25 €10, and children under 18 enter free. The museum is just a two-minute walk from Rijnhaven metro station and offers nearby parking at Q-Park Rijnhaven. The building is fully accessible for disabled visitors.
