Rotterdam has a new museum of international stature. Or rather: a museum returned. The Netherlands Photo Museum will open its doors on February 7 at a new location in Zuid: in the Santos warehouse.

The move from the old museum on the Wilhelminapier to Katendrecht was somewhat challenging. The museum was actually supposed to open in autumn 2025. But the delay does not diminish the excitement. The new premises, a monumental warehouse crowned with a crown, are impressive.

Once inside, you immediately start at the Hall of Fame of Dutch Photography, in an impressive building. On the stairs, you pass the complete history of Dutch photography.

Santos warehouse has 2 floors for temporary exhibitions. The fourth floor has climate control and is suitable for fragile, old photography. On the fifth floor, space has been made for new photo talent. 

Rotterdam

On the fourth floor, until May 24, you can visit the exhibition Rotterdam in focus. Photography of the city 1843 – now. With 350 photos, you walk through more than 180 years of photography history in Rotterdam. The photos were taken by both professional and amateur photographers.

Living Room

On the ground floor, a kind of living room has been created. Like a bit further at Fenix, this is open to everyone. You can sit, work, study, have a drink, use the extensive library with books about photography, or visit the museum shop.

Conservation and Research

Where the old Las Palmas building was smaller and tighter, Santos has enough space for the entire museum collection. But there is also attention to the history of photography, the technique, conservation, research, and digitization.

The museum, like Fenix, was made possible thanks to the philanthropic foundation Dream and Deed. They are building more on De Kaap: in the coming years, the Dance House will be built. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab..

From Saturday, February 7, the Netherlands Photo Museum is open to everyone. A ticket costs €17.50. Young people aged 18 to 25 can enter for €10.00, and children under 18 enter for free. With the Rotterdam Pass. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab., you can visit for free. 

For more information, tickets, and opening hours, visit the website: nederlandsfotomuseum.nl. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab..