Dana from Amsterdam
Huis Marseille Amsterdam
Photography museum
If you wander down Keizersgracht, you’ll come across a 17th-century canal house that holds one of Amsterdam’s most interesting museums: Huis Marseille, Museum of Photography. When it opened its doors in 1999, it was the first museum in the Netherlands dedicated entirely to photography as an art form, and since then it has become a beloved spot for those who want to see the world through someone else’s lens.
Huis Marseille is actually located in two 17th-century houses and the exhibitions are planned having the space in mind. Inside, you won’t find endless glass cases or dusty displays. Instead, the elegant period rooms host changing exhibitions of contemporary and historical photography, often exploring social issues, identity, or the beauty of everyday life.
The building's interior is a work of art in itself. Many of the original details have been preserved, like the painted ceilings, elegant stucco work and a Louis XIV-style room with a striking red interior.
Huis Marseille maintains an impressive collection of works and publishes books and catalogues, so the experience extends beyond the exhibitions themselves.
What I love about this museum is that it’s a place to slow down, step away from the busy streets, and see art in an intimate setting. It’s small and personal, unlike the experience you have in the big museums. And the beautiful garden, where you can have a coffee after the visit, makes it even more special.
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