Amsterdam for photography lovers

Foam

Foam is an internationally renowned museum that exhibits all genres of photography in a beautiful canal-side setting. As well as displaying various works, it acts as a creative hub where photographers can meet and participate in forums and symposiums. Drop by for special tours, lectures and discussions, films and other activities. Foam also publishes its own international photography magazine (Foam Magazine), which is available in book and magazine stores worldwide.

Foam | Keizersgracht 609

Huis Marseille

Amsterdam’s first photography museum, Huis Marseille, is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the city’s photography scene. Experience stunning photography laid out across opulent period rooms complete with ceiling paintings, stucco work and mega helpings of marble. The varied exhibition program changes an average of four times a year, showcasing significant names and rising stars from around the world. The tranquil garden is the perfect place to catch some fresh air after you’ve blown your budget in the specialist bookshop.

Huis Marseille | Keizersgracht 401

Unseen Photo Fair

Each September, international crowds flock to Westergas for the Unseen Photo Fair, one of the major annual events in the cultural calendar. Hosted within the unique shiny metal cylinder of the Gashouder - a former gas factory in the centre of Westerpark - the world’s most exciting photography galleries and cutting-edge artists are brought together for a weekend-long event. Along with the exhibition, you can expect a variety of talks, competitions and tours.

Unseen Photo Fair | Westergas | 19-22 September 2024

The Ravestijn Gallery

With a luminous exhibition space at the docklands just to the West of Central Station, The Ravestijn Gallery is a rich addition to Amsterdam's thriving contemporary photography scene. Spread through the spacious halls, you’ll find solo presentations by some of the most curious and provocative international photographers working today. The gallery puts on several exhibitions annually to explore ambitious new perspectives in image-taking and the multifaceted forms the medium can take.

The Ravestijn Gallery | Westerdok 824

World Press Photo Exhibition

Every year, World Press Photo returns home for its flagship exhibition, specially designed for the space of De Nieuwe Kerk, a 15th-century church in the middle of Dam Square. Witness the most powerful, moving and influential images taken by the most talented press photographers worldwide today. These photos generally tend to pack a punch, so be sure to bring some tissues with you!

World Press Photo | De Nieuwe Kerk | upcoming in spring 2025

Haute Photographie

Haute Photographie is a boutique fair that takes place in February at the Rotterdam Art Week and in September in Amsterdam. The event is centred around a group exhibition featuring works by the grandmasters from the history of photography to the youngest and most exciting young talents working with the medium today. The show brings together a select group of national and international artists.

Haute Photographie | TT Vasumweg 38A | 18-22 September 2024

Melkweg EXPO

Before catching a gig at this notorious concert venue, swing by Melkweg Expo for a contemporary art pick-me-up. With a revolving exhibition programme that is consistently playful, accessible and always free, the venue provides a platform for emerging local photographers and visual artists to engage with societal issues and pop culture today. The space is open until 7 PM to make arty encounters possible for even the most spontaneous visitors.

Melkweg Expo | Entrance via Milk Cafe, Marnixstraat 409

Smaller photography galleries

• Bildhalle (Willemsparkweg 134) - One of the most well-respected Swiss galleries, curates established names from the 20th century alongside emerging international talents. Delve into exhibitions celebrating fantastic photographic styles, from street photography to conceptual figurative shots and genre-smashing abstract work.
• Galerie Wouter van Leeuwen (Hazenstraat 27) - Known for exploring traditional genres, such as landscape and portraiture and documentary photography, the gallery roster includes a wide variety of emerging and established photographers from around the world.
• Galerie Caroline O’Breen (Hazenstraat 54) - Enjoy regular showcases of mixed media and photo-based works from artists and photographers looking for crossovers with other art disciplines. The gallery strongly focuses on female artists and artists engaging with environmental topics.
• Kahmann Gallery (Lindengracht 35) - Even though the original concept was to focus purely on Dutch vintage photography, the scope at Kahmann has broadened over time to include international photographers and younger talents making their first steps into the commercial art world.
• Flatland Gallery  (Lijnbaansgracht 312-314) - Whilst the focus is on photography, Flatland also represents artists working with film, installation, sculpture and drawing - or a crossover of these mediums with photo-based practises.

Outdoor exhibitions

Throughout the year, Amsterdam’s public parks and urban spaces are regularly transformed into stunning outdoor galleries. For instance, Foam regularly transforms the public square at Mercatorplein into an open-air photo exhibition that’s freely accessible to all. Each work is blown up to an intimidating scale so that tiny details can be appreciated, whilst scannable QR codes provide viewers with more information about the photographers.

Keep an eye on our Weekend Guide for updates about what’s on near you.

Eye Filmmuseum

Photography and film are closely entwined so there’s no better place to learn about the crossover of the two mediums than at Eye Filmmuseum. Situated on the northern bank of the IJ, just opposite Central Station, Eye’s striking architecture quickly transformed it into one of the city’s modern cultural icons. Pop in for cutting-edge exhibitions, talks, screenings and more.

Eye Filmmuseum | IJPromenade 1