The Nederlands Fotomuseum is the Dutch National Museum of Photography. It opened its doors in Pakhuis Santos on 7 February 2026, giving one of the world’s largest museum collections of photography a new public home. The collection includes more than 6.5 million photographic objects, ranging from early photographic processes to contemporary digital work.

Pakhuis Santos itself is a landmark. Built between 1901 and 1902 as a coffee warehouse for beans shipped from the Brazilian port city of Santos, the building stands on the Rijnhaven in Katendrecht and has been a national monument since 2000. Its transformation into a museum preserves the atmosphere of the historic warehouse while adding modern exhibition galleries, open depots, conservation studios, a library, educational spaces, a café and a rooftop restaurant with views over Rotterdam.

The move was made possible by a €38 million donation from the philanthropic Droom en Daad Foundation. The foundation is associated with the Van der Vorm family, known historically through the Holland-America Line and HAL Investments. Reports describe the gift as exceptionally large,  it possibly is the largest museum donation in the Netherlands.

The move to Pakhuis Santos gives the Nederlands Fotomuseum more than a new address. It gives Dutch photography a landmark setting that reflects both Rotterdam’s history and the continuing relevance of photography today. Whether you are interested in photography, architecture, heritage or the changing face of Katendrecht, this new museum location is well worth a visit. For Rotterdam, this is something to be proud of. For photographers, it must be a special honour to see their work presented in such a carefully restored and historically meaningful building.