Visual stories that matter
We safeguard Dutch photographic heritage of the present and future. Then, we make it accessible to the public in all its diversity. In doing so, we always place photography in a contemporary context.
A global leader in collection management
The National Museum of Photography is a global leader in collection management and the protection of photographic archives. The work of the museum, including its exhibitions and public programme, center around its collection, which is an ever-growing record of Dutch photographic history. The museum has amassed a unique collection for more than 25 years. It is estimated the collection will reach 7.5 million images by 2028.
Dutch photography
from yesteryear until far into the future
The National Museum of Photography is the most important center for the display, conservation, collecting and study of photography from the Netherlands. One of our earliest images is a daguerreotype from 1842.
Thank you, Hein Wertheimer and so many others
The National Museum of Photography was founded in 2003 thanks to a gift by Hein Wertheimer. A passionate amateur photographer, he donated the equivalent of 11.2 million euros to establish a museum for Dutch photography.
The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the City of Rotterdam have also contributed financially since the museum began. Thanks to the generosity of the Droom en Daad Foundation, the museum was able to purchase the Santos warehouse in 2023.
Earlier this year the Wertheimer Foundation advised the Cultuurfonds, which manages the Wertheimer Fonds, to donate extra funds to create a darkroom in the museum. The darkroom, which will bear the name of Hein Wertheimer, is available for amateur and professional photographers.
Annual reports
Every year, the National Museum of Photography creates an annual report with museum activities for that year. Our most recent reports are available to download (Dutch only). To download, click year.
Support the National Museum of Photography
Your involvement helps us to create inspiring exhibitions, introduce a young and diverse audience to photography, and care for our unparalleled collection.
The museum offers 4 levels of membership: individuals can become a Fan, Friend, Ambassador, or a Member of our Collectors’ Council. Each level comes with special benefits and privileges.
Organisations and companies can fund an educational programme or become a partner of the museum. Partnerships usually entail curated media exposure, exclusive company events in the museum and year round free entry for all partner employees.