Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography

Modern photography in a classical setting

Originally built by a flamboyant merchant, the houses have since housed a diverse range of residents, including a deeply religious diamond cutter, the son of a mayor, an early feminist, various art collectors, a film distributor, and even someone in hiding in the back house during the war. All of them have left their traces throughout the houses, forming a living link in a long chain that connects the present-day photography museum to the seventeenth century.

The light-filled galleries create an intimate setting in which the contrast between the past lives within the canal houses and contemporary photography results in a unique and layered viewing experience. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers a range of spaces to explore, including a unique photography library, a curated photobook shop, and a hidden canal garden with a historic garden house.

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 lies a hidden gem: the canal garden. 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.

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.