national museum of photography to occupy historic rotterdam warehouse

Transforming rotterdam’s Santos Warehouse

The National Museum of Photography in Rotterdam, a leading institution for the study, conservation, and exhibition of photography in the Netherlands, is set to open its transformed home in 2025. Housed in the historic Santos warehouse in the Rijnhaven harbor, the eight-story building will provide a state-of-the-art environment for the Museum’s extensive collection of over 6.5 million photographic images, one of the largest in the world.

Originally constructed in 1903 as a coffee warehouse, the Santos building is a Grade A listed national monument designed by J.P. Stok Wzn and J.J. Kanters. It is one of the best-preserved warehouses in the Netherlands, featuring a cast-iron column structure and six original floors. The renovation, carried out by Renner Hainke Wirth Zirn Architekten from Hamburg and WDJARCHITECTEN from Rotterdam, involved restoring the building’s historical features while adapting it to meet the Museum’s needs.

Key updates include the addition of two new floors, with the top level enclosed in a semi-transparent ‘crown’ facade. A central atrium, complete with a stairwell that connects the building’s levels, creates a spacious, open-plan interior. The original closed facades, designed to limit daylight exposure, make the space ideal for preserving light-sensitive photographic materials. The project will join Fenix, MAD Architects’ spiraling museum, also set to open in Rotterdam in 2025.

the National Museum of Photography will open in Rotterdam in 2025 | images © Hans Wilschut

Preserving Dutch Photographic History

The move to Rotterdam’s Santos building marks a significant expansion of the National Museum of Photography’s role as a global authority in photographic collection management. Climate-controlled facilities will house the Museum’s conservation and restoration spaces, with glass walls providing visitors a view of specialists at work. This behind-the-scenes look highlights the Museum’s dedication to preserving photographic heritage while engaging the public.

The new facility will feature extensive exhibition areas, a photography bookshop and library, a museum café, and community spaces. An education center will host workshops and programming, while a darkroom will serve both professional photographers and enthusiasts. The addition of a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the Rotterdam skyline further enhances the visitor experience.

The Museum’s collection spans Dutch photographic history, from the earliest daguerreotypes of 1842 to contemporary works by renowned photographers such as Dana Lixenberg, Erwin Olaf, and Jaya Pelupessy. The collection includes more than 175 complete archives from photographers like Ed van der Elsken, Augusta Curiel, and Esther Kroon, offering unparalleled insight into the evolution of photography in the Netherlands.

the Museum is housed in the historic Santos Warehouse built in 1903

national museum of photography’s growing collection

The National Museum of Photography’s focus on accessibility and education aligns with its commitment to making this vast repository of visual culture available to the public of Rotterdam. By 2028, the collection is expected to grow to 7.5 million images, underscoring its role as a vital cultural resource.

The acquisition and renovation of the Santos building fulfill the Museum’s vision of creating a dynamic meeting place for photography enthusiasts and professionals. Director Birgit Donker describes the new home as a ‘place where photography is celebrated to the fullest,’ from amateur works to art photography.

The Santos warehouse’s renovation respects its historic integrity while integrating modern design elements. The six original floors, preserved during the transformation, are complemented by the newly added levels and the open atrium. The combination of historical architecture and contemporary functionality embodies the Museum’s mission to honor the past while embracing the future of photography.

renovations added two new floors and a semi-transparent crown facade