Nederlands Fotomuseum, Rotterdam

The Nederlands Fotomuseum, situated in Rotterdam, is a distinguished institution dedicated to photography. Its inception dates back to 1989.

Within its walls lies a vast collection of historical, social, and cultural photographs spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, originating both from the Netherlands and beyond. The museum oversees the curation of over 150 archives, containing more than three million images, all captured by Dutch photographers. To preserve these valuable records, state-of-the-art climate-controlled film storage facilities have been employed.

Found at the Wilhelminakade, specifically within the former workshop building of the Holland America Line, renowned as the Las Palmas building, the Netherlands Photo Museum is an architectural gem.

Initially established as the Nederlands Foto Archief, the museum initially received financial support from the Dutch government. A significant transformation occurred in 2003 when a generous endowment from Hein Wertheimer, an affluent Dutch lawyer, breathed new life into the institution. Consequently, it was rebranded as the Nederlands Fotomuseum.

Visitors to the Fotomuseum have the privilege of exploring a digital image library comprising 120,000 visuals. Additionally, they can indulge in short films and partake in educational endeavors. The museum's capacious exhibition halls host a rotating display that delves into Dutch history.

The museum's current exhibitions include the Gallery of Honor of Dutch Photography, a permanent collection featuring 99 images that pay tribute to the nation's photographic heritage. Additionally, there's the captivating retrospective exhibition titled "Starring Chas Gerretsen," which offers an in-depth exploration of the life and oeuvre of this talented individual.