FOAM Photography Museum Amsterdam

FOAM – FOtografiemuseum AMsterdam – is a renowned photography museum on the Keizersgracht canal in the centre of Amsterdam. Book FOAM Amsterdam tickets here

With its catchphrase “all about photography”, FOAM Museum Amsterdam holds regular photographic exhibitions from both noted international and younger up-and-coming photographers.

FOAM Amsterdam has become the most visited photography museum in the Netherlands with annual visitor numbers approaching 200,000* and attracting a young audience with around 40% of visitors under 35.

The listed building at Keizersgracht 609 was built between 1861-1863. The former canal warehouse site was bequeathed to the city by merchant Carel Joseph Fodor (1803-1860) on the condition that it be turned into a museum after his death.

The Museum Fodor opened in 1863 and was an art museum in Amsterdam for 130 years, eventually shutting down in 1993. If you look outside the entrance you can still see the ‘Museum Fodor’ gold lettering on the entrance archway.

The building then housed the Netherlands Design Institute before being transformed by Dutch architect firm BenthemCrouwel. FOAM incorporates the 3 adjacent buildings at Keizersgracht 609, 611 and 613 and has a floor area of 1,800m².

The gallery spaces have a pleasant, relaxed ambience with modern no-frills interior using metal staircases and bright coloured walls. This provides an excellent platform for displaying photographs.

The first exhibition room on the ground floor has large windows with views out to the lush garden – although unfortunately this outdoor area is out of bounds to the public.

FOAM Amsterdam normally runs 2-4 simultaneous exhibitions which provides some variety for the visitor.

FOAM can feature contrasting photographic styles – from street and landscape photography to more abstract work including visual installations.

Exhibitions are spread over 4 floors of the houses and run for approximately 3 months.

FOAM 3h is a project space where recently graduated photographers can present their first solo exhibition.

FOAM also runs a variety of workshops, podcasts and discussions about photography. FOAM publishes its FOAM magazine about 3 times per year for an international audience.

At the museum there is a FOAM Café for snacks and drinks with free WiFi available.

You can buy FOAM magazines, photography-themed books and posters in the cafe or at the entrance foyer.

FOAM editions is the in-house gallery where it is possible to purchase prints and unique pieces.

FOAM organises special events such as workshops, guided tours and podcasts around the subject of photography.

Note, being a historic canal house means that not all rooms are fully accessible. Folding stools are available to borrow from the front desk. Free lockers can be found in the basement level.

FOAM is a well-established photo museum in Amsterdam holding regular exhibitions. For photography enthusiasts FOAM could certainly be worth a visit. Note, some exhibitions may not be suitable for young children.

A short walk away along the Keizersgracht is also the Huis Marseille Photography Museum. FOAM also presents exhibitions at MAQAM gallery in Amsterdam West.

*FOAM Museum Amsterdam Visitor Numbers – Its record year was 2016 with 244,000 visitors. In 2019 it had 193,000 visitors. FOAM no longer openly publishes visitor statistics and would not answer our request for updated figures. It projects to reach 250,000 visitors in the coming years.

FOAM Museum Amsterdam Essential Info

Last updated 3 March 2025. This article was first published in 2010 and has been regularly updated.

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