Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography

Art museum · Grachtengordel-West

Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography

Art museum · Grachtengordel-West

2

Keizersgracht 401, 1016 EK Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography by null

Highlights

Contemporary photography in historic canal houses, lush garden  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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Keizersgracht 401, 1016 EK Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions

huismarseille.nl
@huismarseille

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Keizersgracht 401, 1016 EK Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions

+31 20 531 8989
huismarseille.nl
@huismarseille
𝕏
@HuisMarseille

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Aug 7, 2025

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@cntraveler

10 Best Museums in Amsterdam, From Quaint Canal Houses to Modern Graffiti Galleries | Condé Nast Traveler

"Set inside two grand 17th-century canal houses is Huis Marseille, the oldest photography museum in the Netherlands. But don’t be fooled: Despite the building’s Golden Age heritage, with rooms featuring original marble fireplaces and 18th-century ceiling frescoes, this museum is all about contemporary photography. Though this private museum counts 750 photographs by leading talents like Thomas Struth, Andreas Gursky, and Andres Serrano in its permanent collection, they aren't always on view. Works alternate among the 14 galleries, which are largely given over to temporary exhibits by established and emerging photographers. With such a small size, you will be in and out in no time." - Clodagh Kinsella, Jennifer Ceaser

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-amsterdam
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@cntraveler

Huis Marseille

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Set inside two grand 17th-century canal houses is Huis Marseille, the oldest photography museum in the Netherlands. But don’t be fooled: Despite the building’s Golden Age heritage, with rooms featuring original marble fireplaces and 18th-century ceiling frescoes, this museum is all about contemporary photography. A museum's permanent collection is its defining feature: How was this one? Though this private museum counts 750 photographs by leading talents like Thomas Struth, Andreas Gursky, and Andres Serrano in its permanent collection, they aren't always on view. Rather, works alternate among the 14 galleries, which are largely given over to temporary exhibits by established and emerging photographers. Exhibits keep us coming back. What can we expect? Temporary exhibits, which often incorporate works from the museum’s permanent collection, change every three months—so you’ll never know what you might see. Usually, there are several shows mounted at the same time, and many are solo shows, letting you delve deeply into a particular photographer’s oeuvre. Larger exhibitions (like past retrospectives of Stephen Shore or Adam Fuss) are installed on the lower floors, where historical details—marble fireplaces, centuries-old ceiling frescoes—contrast dramatically (and dynamically) with the contemporary photography on the walls. Look for emerging artists’ work in the smaller upper galleries. What did you make of the crowd? Photography aficionados, naturally. Since the exhibitions are continually changing, the demographic depends on what’s on view. The quiet surroundings and sometimes mature subject matter doesn't make this museum particularly kid-friendly.\ On the practical tip, how were the facilities? Though the museum isn’t large, it does span across several levels, which requires a modicum of climbing. Given the historical nature of the buildings, it isn’t fully wheelchair-accessible (though a stair lift gives access to a limited number of floors). Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?  If you’re looking for tchotchkes, look elsewhere: the small museum shop offers a rotating selection of photography books, usually tied to one of the current or previous exhibitions. Is the café worth a stop? There is no café, but there is a coffee machine where you can pay a euro for a cup, then take it outside to enjoy on a stone bench in the museum’s pretty garden. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? With only 14 galleries (and some on the smaller side), this museum will have you in and out in no time." - Jennifer Ceaser

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/amsterdam/huis-marseille
View Postcard for Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography

Anna Blanche

Google
Great museum, definitely worth a visit. This time, there was an exhibition of early 20th-century photographs of Paris — atmospheric, nostalgic, and beautifully curated. One of the highlights is the library — a quiet, cozy space where you can browse through your favorite books. It’s actually quite an impressive collection, with a wide range of photography books and works by different authors. There’s also a beautiful courtyard where you can sit, relax, and flip through some truly stunning photo albums. Highly recommend this place — it’s one of those rare museums that invites you to slow down and actually enjoy the experience.

Adrianna Woś

Google
I really liked it, feels nostalgic. It’s not really big but it’s inside a beautiful building. Beautiful garden, interesting temporary exhibitions, and a cosy library with photography themed books. It’s included in the NL Museum Card.

F vdB

Google
We went to see “Paris to the lens of the Séeberger brothers” and “Ilona Plaum - Presence” in this museum for photography in 2 old grachtenhuizen. First exhibition presents Paris at around 1900. Second exhibition presents art by an amazing artist. Well curated exhibitions in lovely setting and very kind staff.

Robin Rimbaud-Scanner

Google
An outstanding place to visit in Amsterdam. Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets lies this huge building filled with art and inspiration. So many floors and surprises at each turn. I imagine the garden is beautiful to visit in the spring and summer too, though we were there in winter. You can use your museum card if you have one for entry too. Lots of stairs so perhaps not ideal if you have any mobility issues.

Pascal Richard

Google
The museum is in a beautiful old house and extends over several floors. Since it is not particularly large, only a certain number of pictures can be exhibited. It depends a lot on the curation. I am a photographer myself @squal.images and I think the selection and preparation is very good. It is therefore worth checking online before visiting whether the topic of the exhibition is of interest to you. Visitors who want to see "beautiful pictures" and do not want to deal with texts and content should perhaps go somewhere else ;-)

Auke van der Grinten

Google
Stunning photos in a stunning building! I really prefer this museum over the more well known FOAM! I visited while The Sacrifice Zone by Eddo Hartmann and an exposition of Tarrah Krajnak were on display. The first was my favorite with great photos and storytelling. Krajnak’s exposition was a bit more artsy but definitely worth seeing. They also have a nice gift shop with some cool merch for the real fans!

Cynthia Lammertsma

Google
Museum is located in two interconnected 17th century buildings. It Has an elevator, but also many small stairways. Currently there is an interesting expo of Deborah Turbeville. Provides a perspective of her fleeting, disconnected art of photography from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Consecutively, several works by Lisa Oppenheim on the theme of stolen and lost art from the second world war.

Armenoui Kasparian Saraidari

Google
If you are into photography this is going to be a magical experience for you! Visited in April 2018 and the shows were simply amazing. So many artists such a good citation and a holistic approach. The supportive text was also good giving context to the photographs. Lastly, the interior of the building is so so so impressive that makes the whole experience even better! Plus they have nice and friendly staff, happy to help with large groups, students, lockers etc.
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Jen S.

Yelp
A small gem for sure! It has a lot of light and space which is great for looking at the wonderful photography on display. Cute garden area with a nice tree in the backyard to sit and chat on a sunny day. The one star knock off is that it is a small space (more of a gallery than a museum) so I was a little surprised when they told me to you have to leave your stuff in a locker. But, it's only 1 euro and it's only if you have a bag (coats can just hang on the rack for free) so no real trouble. You get in for free if you have the museum card.
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Qype User (Sooffi…)

Yelp
This beautiful old, renovated manor in the grachten area is a must-visit for tourists as well as inhabitants of Amsterdam. I was totally amazed by the greatness of this mansion, with lots of beautiful art exhibited in a classy way in the snow-white painted rooms with high ceilings. Unfortunately (or fortunately) this cultural trip wont take the whole day; within 30 minutes youll be done. Or you can stay in the library for a few more hours.. The backyard is an absolute plus; ultimate peace and quiet, have some tea on the wooden green benches, looking over this cute whole of medieval paths of little stones, green grass and enormous trees (the ones you find in fairytales) Here you will find tranquillity, ánd be in the centre of Amsterdam = exeptional!
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huong n.

Yelp
it's a small little gem. the building is small and undistinguished on the outside but it very airy and pretty on the inside. it also has a little annex through a little courtyard. we saw the exhibit of works by fazal sheikh - one of the most powerful black and white photo sets that i have ever encountered. feminism has improved the lives of women in europe and north america but our sisters in parts of asia and africa are still struggling - it is a reality and not a cliche. it's photography to provoke emotions - it's a great place to see what pictures can do to you. please try it.

Qype User (Bedir2…)

Yelp
One of the best photography museum i'v ever been too . The mansion itself is worth a visit. The exhibition was breathtaking and very well presented. They have small lockers on the bottom floor where you can leave your bags, and begin to wonder around in this small piece of calm in the middle of amsterdam. The garden was very nice but a bit chilly in late november. Even thought the museum is a bit small I would still recommend this museum to anyone visiting amsterdam.