Foam Amsterdam
A premier photography museum housed in a historic canal house, showcasing diverse and inspiring exhibitions from global talents.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Foam Amsterdam
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier photography museum housed in a historic canal house, showcasing diverse and inspiring exhibitions from global talents.
"A must-visit for photography lovers, offering inspiring exhibitions in a stunning canal-side setting."
📸 Check Exhibitions Online
Always check Foam's website for current exhibitions before you go to plan your visit.
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Secure your spot by booking tickets online in advance, especially for popular shows.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Photography Exhibitions
Throughout the museum
Explore a dynamic range of photographic art, from emerging talents to established masters, across multiple floors.
Canalside Location
Keizersgracht canal
Housed in a beautiful 18th-century canal house, offering a picturesque setting and stunning views.
Foam Talent Call
Special exhibition spaces
Discover groundbreaking work from new photographers scouted and supported by Foam.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Current Exhibitions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Check Exhibitions Online
Always check Foam's website for current exhibitions before you go to plan your visit.
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Secure your spot by booking tickets online in advance, especially for popular shows.
🚶♀️ Explore the Building
Don't just focus on the art; the historic canal house and atrium are beautiful too!
💡 Look for Foam Talent
Discover exciting new photographers through the Foam Talent Call exhibitions.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Check Exhibitions Online
Always check Foam's website for current exhibitions before you go to plan your visit.
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Secure your spot by booking tickets online in advance, especially for popular shows.
🚶♀️ Explore the Building
Don't just focus on the art; the historic canal house and atrium are beautiful too!
💡 Look for Foam Talent
Discover exciting new photographers through the Foam Talent Call exhibitions.
🚲 Be Mindful of Bikes
Amsterdam is bike-heavy; watch out for cyclists when walking nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Foam Amsterdam for its exceptional photography exhibitions, often highlighting the quality and diversity of the work displayed. The museum's beautiful canal-side location in a historic building is another frequently cited positive, offering a charming atmosphere. While generally well-received, some visitors note that ticket prices can be a bit high, and specific exhibition content might not appeal to everyone.
"We were there a few weeks ago and they had amazing installations. One from an Iranian artist which impressed me because I am Iranian too and felt close to me. A section was dedicated to the secret photographers during the second world war and I loved that too. Take a look at the photos you will be impressed. And their exhibitions change every now and then!!"
Sahba Manouchehri
"I didn’t expect such a big collection of photos, you can spend quite some time in there if you want to really get into the story. I liked the display of each collection, creative and aesthetically pleasant. Great photographs, amazing histories behind them, you can get to know about the Dutch in Suriname, Amsterdam during a WWII - this one was particularly touching, and some others. There is also a cafe and a small shop - this one could be a little bit bigger!"
Adrianna Woś
"One of my favourite art spaces in Amsterdam, and truly among the best in Europe.
A remarkable photography museum that offers brilliantly diverse and inclusive exhibitions throughout the year."
Ahmad Alrashid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Foam Amsterdam is easily accessible by public transport. You can take trams, buses, or the metro to nearby stops. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Consider using the GVB app for real-time public transport information. +1
Yes, Foam Amsterdam is centrally located on the Keizersgracht canal, making it very convenient to reach from other popular attractions and accommodation.
Cycling is a popular way to get around Amsterdam. You can cycle to Foam and find bike parking nearby, but be aware of the city's busy bike lanes.
The public transport system in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, is excellent. Trams, buses, and the metro are efficient. Many travelers also enjoy walking or cycling to explore the city.
While Foam is a central Amsterdam attraction, nearby day trips like Zaanse Schans or Zaandam offer a different experience. You can visit Foam before or after these excursions. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary depending on current exhibitions and any special events. It's best to check the official Foam Amsterdam website for the most up-to-date pricing and to purchase tickets.
Booking your Foam Amsterdam tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or for popular exhibitions, to avoid queues and guarantee entry.
Foam Amsterdam's opening hours can vary, and they are sometimes open late. Always check their official website for the most current opening times before your visit.
Information on discounts, such as for students or groups, is usually available on the Foam Amsterdam website. It's worth checking their ticketing page for any available offers.
While it might be possible to buy tickets at the door, it's strongly advised to book online in advance to ensure entry and avoid disappointment, as popular exhibitions can sell out.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
Foam Amsterdam showcases a wide spectrum of photography, from contemporary and documentary to historical and artistic. They are known for featuring both established and emerging photographers. 
Foam frequently hosts exhibitions by renowned photographers like Helmut Newton and Mous Lamrabat, as well as showcasing winners of the Foam Talent Call. Check their schedule for current highlights. +1
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed in the exhibition spaces, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited. Always check the specific exhibition rules.
Yes, Foam Amsterdam has a shop where you can purchase photography books, prints, and other related merchandise.
The Foam Talent Call is an initiative to discover, present, and support new photographic talent from around the world. Exhibitions featuring these talents are a highlight at Foam.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours at Foam Amsterdam, depending on their interest in the current exhibitions and if they plan to visit the shop or café.
Absolutely! Foam Amsterdam is a fantastic destination for solo travelers looking for inspiration and a quiet appreciation of photography.
Foam Amsterdam typically has a café or a space where you can enjoy refreshments. It's a nice spot to relax after exploring the exhibitions.
The museum offers a serene and inspiring atmosphere, set within a beautiful historic building. It's a place for thoughtful engagement with photography.
Information on guided tours or talks related to current exhibitions is usually available on the Foam Amsterdam website. These can offer deeper insights into the photography on display.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable, focus on specific exhibitions that might have more accessible themes or visually striking imagery. Discussing the photographs and encouraging them to find their own favorite pieces can enhance their engagement. The beautiful architecture of the building itself can also be a point of interest.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Make sure to check the current exhibition schedule well in advance, as Foam is known for its diverse programming, including retrospectives, thematic shows, and showcases of emerging artists through initiatives like the Foam Talent Call. The museum shop is also a treasure trove for photography books and prints.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Many solo travelers find the museum to be a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It's also a great opportunity to practice your own photography skills in the beautiful surroundings of the canal district after your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Foam Amsterdam
Visitors often remark on the beautiful contrast between the historic architecture and the cutting-edge photography. The building itself, with its elegant facades and canal views, adds another layer of appreciation to the museum experience. It’s a place where the past and present of Amsterdam’s visual culture converge.
This blend of historical charm and modern exhibition design makes Foam Amsterdam not just a destination for photography enthusiasts, but also for those who appreciate unique architectural spaces. The intimate scale of the canal houses allows for a more personal and immersive viewing experience compared to larger, more modern museum complexes.
Discovering New Talent at Foam
These exhibitions offer visitors a chance to see groundbreaking and diverse photographic perspectives that might not yet be widely known. It's an excellent opportunity to discover the future of photography and witness the innovative approaches being taken by the next generation of artists. The content showcased is often fresh, thought-provoking, and representative of current global dialogues.
Attending a Foam Talent exhibition provides a unique insight into the evolving landscape of photography. It’s a chance to connect with new voices and understand the themes and styles that are shaping the medium. Many visitors find these exhibitions to be particularly inspiring and a highlight of their visit to Foam.
Photography Walks and Inspiration
After immersing themselves in the world of photography at Foam, taking a stroll along the Keizersgracht or other nearby canals can be a rewarding experience. The charming streets, historic buildings, and reflections on the water offer endless photographic opportunities. This combination allows for a full day of creative engagement with the city and the art form.
This approach is particularly popular with photographers and art enthusiasts who want to deepen their connection with the visual culture of Amsterdam. It’s a way to extend the inspiration gained from the museum into the vibrant urban environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit