Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography

Modern photography in a classical setting

Huis Marseille is the first photography museum in Amsterdam. For over twenty-five years, the museum has offered a rich and varied exhibition programme that changes on average four times a year. In 2013, the museum was expanded with the neighbouring building Keizersgracht 399, so that it now has around fourteen exhibition spaces, which means that in addition to the changing exhibitions, there is also plenty of opportunity to show the museum's own collection, which mainly consists of leading, modern (national and international) photography.

Photography as an artistic medium

How do photographers develop a new visual language that is relevant to the artistic nature of photography, while at the same time reflecting on our time? This is the central question in Huis Marseille and influences the exhibition programme and the collection development. In a time when photography is unprecedentedly popular, accessible to everyone as a (mass) medium and omnipresent, photography as an artistic medium is constantly changing.

Huis Marseille chooses photography in which an artistic visual language is central and which is characterized by a passionate research spirit, as part of an ongoing research into avant-garde innovation. In addition, photography in Huis Marseille has a social relevance and many points of contact with the changing spirit of the times.

The photography library

Huis Marseille has a large number of monographs of both internationally renowned and lesser-known talented photographers from all over the world. In addition, the library contains various overview works in the field of photography history, technique and theory and many other subjects. Of course, the library collection also contains special, antiquarian and rare copies and special editions.

Secret Oasis

Behind the monumental facades of Huis Marseille, Amsterdam's first photography museum, lies a hidden gem: the canal garden. This serene city oasis reflects the rich history of the 17th-century canal houses and forms a harmonious connection between heritage and contemporary photography. Originally, Huis Marseille consisted of two separate merchant houses, each with its own garden. Although the buildings have been combined into one museum, both garden halves maintain their unique character and design, highlighting the historical layout. Free access all year-round with the I Amsterdam City Card, during opening hours.

Authentic spaces

The fact that Huis Marseille is housed in two seventeenth-century canal houses has a major influence on the 'organic' way in which the exhibitions in the various spaces are experienced. The lion's share of the exhibitions in Huis Marseille are developed and produced for the spaces themselves.

Huis Marseille is the opposite of a 'white cube': a fact that has a great influence on the experience of the exhibitions in the spaces. At the same time, these authentic spaces are so bright and open that the appearance of the photographic works themselves is not hindered by them, but rather enhanced.

Visit Huis Marseille with your City Card

It is not required to reserve a time slot to visit this location with your City Card. Make sure your City Card is valid at the time of your visit.