Nederlands Fotomuseum maintains more than 130 archives from Dutch photographers, containing millions of images and short films capturing the country’s history. A curated selection of photographs and films is rotated through the museum’s upstairs gallery and Film Lounge, while the downstairs gallery is given over to temporary exhibits highlighting famous and up-and-coming international photographers. One of the top cultural attractions in Rotterdam, the museum is a common stop on city tours.
Nederlands Fotomuseum often holds workshops and lectures, plus free guided tours every Sunday afternoon for a deeper understanding of the history of photography and the works currently on display.
An extensive photography library is open for browsing, while prints, books, and photography-related gifts are available in the museum’s shop.
Drinks and light snacks are available for purchase in the museum coffee shop.
All galleries and other museum areas are accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
Nederlands Fotomuseum occupies the striking former Holland America Line workshop—also known as the Las Palmas building—on the city’s landmark Wilhelminakade pier. Several trams, buses, and metro lines run from the central train station and other points around the city to the museum, or take a water taxi from Leuvehaven or Veerhaven.
The indoor museum and outdoor harbor area are closed on Mondays and April 27 (King’s Day), Dec. 25, and Jan. 1; special Monday openings are offered during school holidays. This popular museum is packed with families on the weekends, so schedule your visit from Tuesday through Friday to avoid the crowds.
Nederlands Fotomuseum is located in one of Rotterdam’s most remarkable buildings, Las Palmas, built in the mid-1950s by the renowned architectural firm Van den Broek & Bakema. The city has long been one of the most architecturally forward in the Netherlands and today is home to some of the country’s highest skyscrapers and most head-turning buildings. Top stops for contemporary design buffs include the former docklands at Kop van Zuid (South Bank), home to Rem Koolhaas’ iconic De Rotterdam tower; the Centraal Station; the Erasmus Bridge; and Markthal (Market Hall).
