Eye Filmmuseum

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The institution's roots go back to 1946, when cinema owners and film enthusiasts founded a historical film archive, partly to safeguard the legacy of the Nederlandsche Filmliga. In 1952 this became the Nederlands Filmmuseum, which from 1975 screened films in the pavilion in the Vondelpark and steadily expanded its collection.

In the late 1990s, a plan to move the museum to Rotterdam met fierce opposition in Amsterdam and was dropped. In 2010 the Filmmuseum, Holland Film, the Filmbank and the Nederlands Instituut voor Filmeducatie merged into a national film institute, known today as Eye Filmmuseum.

In April 2012 Eye moved into its striking new building on the north bank of the IJ, across from Central Station. The angular white building by the Vienna architects Delugan Meissl houses four cinemas, exhibition spaces and a large restaurant “arena” overlooking the water. Since 2016 the holdings have been stored in a dedicated collection center in Amsterdam-Noord.

The collection comprises tens of thousands of films, plus film posters, photographs, books and archives; of particular importance is the silent-era collection of the distributor Jean Desmet, which is part of UNESCO's Memory of the World register. Alongside its daily film program, Eye presents exhibitions on filmmakers and artists working with moving images and awards the annual Eye Art & Film Prize.

Highlights

• Striking new building by Delugan Meissl on the north bank of the IJ
• Four cinemas with a daily program of classics and new releases
• Interactive permanent exhibition “What is Film?” with flip-book and animation tables
• Desmet Collection from the silent-film era (UNESCO Memory of the World)
• Temporary exhibitions on filmmakers and video art

Permanent exhibitions

• What is Film? – Interactive presentation on the history and technology of film with objects from the collection, mini-cinemas, a green screen, and animation and flip-book stations in the basement and throughout the building.

Founded

1946

Operated by

Stichting Eye Filmmuseum

Director

John Middelweerd (kommissarisch)

Visitors per year

approx. 551,044 (2025)

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart, as well as with the Stadspas, VriendenLoterij VIP-KAART, I amsterdam City Card and ICOM card. The permanent exhibition “What is Film?” is accessible with an exhibition or film ticket. Ticket desk is cashless only.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The entire building is wheelchair-accessible, with all floors reachable by elevator (elevator near the entrance). Two wheelchair spaces per cinema (please reserve via info@eyefilm.nl). Loaner wheelchairs and rollators on prior request. Induction loops in the cinemas. Audio description for films via the Earcatch app, subtitles via Subcatch. Sign-language tours on request; partnership with Musea in Gebaren. Two accessible parking spaces in the A'DAM Toren parking garage.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Children up to age 17 free in the exhibitions. Children's films on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and daily during school holidays. Workshops “Filmmagie” (ages 6 and up, flip books) and “Cinemini” (ages 2–6, playing with light and shadow). In the permanent exhibition: animation tables, a flip-book machine and listening benches; the “Mission Supereyes” discovery route for ages 4 to 12.

Getting there & parking

GPS address: Overhoeksplein 1. Also reachable by boat.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Coat check
• Lockers

Eye Bar-Restaurant with a terrace on the IJ (Tue–Sun 10:00–24:00). Unattended cloakroom and lockers; bags and umbrellas are not allowed in the exhibitions, and suitcases and large luggage are not accepted.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 900 guests.

Four cinemas, four multipurpose rooms with daylight, two dining areas and waterfront spaces for events with 10 to 900 guests (conferences, company parties, premieres, receptions). Contact: events@eyefilm.nl.

Plan your visit