Amsterdam's photography museum on the Keizersgracht – up to four temporary exhibitions at once, from classics to young talent.
September 18, 2026 – January 31, 2027
Major solo exhibition by photographer Nadav Kander with portraits and landscapes from over three decades that revolve around transience and the edges of the visible – from the Yangtze to Chernobyl.
September 18, 2026 – January 20, 2027
The Chinese photographer's first major solo exhibition outside China: vividly colored portraits of family, youth, and everyday fashion in Xinjiang.
September 18, 2026 – November 27, 2026
The photographer's first museum exhibition, in the Foam 3h series: images of female bodybuilders in Kerala, southern India, between strength and vulnerability.
October 23, 2026 – January 20, 2027
First solo museum exhibition by the Lebanese photographer and winner of the 19th Foam Paul Huf Award, with personal works from Beirut about the body, desire, and resistance.
Special exhibition
Exhibition on the Italian photographer announced for 2027; exact dates have not yet been set.
Foam was founded in 2001 on the initiative of Marloes Krijnen and opened that same year at Keizersgracht 609. It is run by the Stichting Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam. The goal was a dedicated place for photography in the city that combined presentation, education, and support for young photographers.
The main building was created in the 19th century as Museum Fodor, which displayed the art collection of the merchant Carl Joseph Fodor. After that collection was transferred to other institutions in 1948, the Stedelijk Museum used the rooms for exhibitions, and later the Netherlands Design Institute moved in. Today Foam occupies three listed canal houses connected by bridges, covered courtyards, and staircases; the offices are located directly above the exhibition spaces.
Foam has no large permanent exhibition but shows up to four exhibitions at a time – from famous names in photographic history to debuts in the Foam 3h series. Its profile also includes talent programs such as Foam Talent, the Foam Paul Huf Award for photographers under 35, the internationally distributed Foam Magazine, and an extensive education program for schools and adults. With the MAQAM project space in Kolenkit and exhibitions on the Mercatorplein, the museum also has a presence in Amsterdam-West.
Karin van Gilst has been director since September 2022. In 2026 the building was insulated and fitted with a new climate control system while the museum remained open, so Foam has since been able to operate without gas.
| Adults | €16 |
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| Reduced | €11.75Pupils under 18 and CJP cardholders |
| Children & teens | €11.75free up to age 12 · Children up to 12 free; young people under 18 pay the pupil rate |
| Seniors | –No senior discount in the price list |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Companion free for visitors who cannot visit the museum independently |
| Students & apprentices | €12.80Proof required at the ticket desk |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Groups of 10 or more receive a discount after registering (education@foam.org); guided tour for adults €100 per hour plus admission |
| Private viewing (exclusive visit outside opening hours) | €25Per person, minimum €625 |
| Foam Friend (annual membership with unlimited admission and a guest) | €55 |
Free with the Museumkaart; likewise with the I amsterdam City Card, Stadspas, ICOM card, VriendenLoterij VIP card, press card, and as a Foam Member – no online ticket required. 40% off with the Uitpas (ticket desk only). Tickets are valid on the selected day; walk-ins possible, buying online recommended. Card payment only in the museum.
Elevator, wheelchair-accessible restroom, and drop-off zone available; however, the listed building is not fully wheelchair-accessible, as not all galleries can be reached by elevator. Power wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated; contacting the museum in advance is recommended. Folding stools can be borrowed at the ticket desk. Regular free guided tours in Dutch Sign Language with a deaf museum educator; individual tours through the education department.
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 12 |
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Children up to 12 free. During school holidays there are photo workshops for ages 7 to 12 (e.g., fall break 2026, €7.50 including admission, in Dutch, parents join for free). Birthdays and family celebrations can be held at the museum with a portrait workshop.
The museum recommends arriving by public transport or on foot. There is a drop-off zone for visitors with limited mobility.
Get directionsFoam Café in the historic canal house (coffee, cake, drinks; tables can be reserved). Foam Bookshop at the entrance with photobooks, magazines, posters, and postcards, plus the Foam Editions gallery with limited-edition prints.
All exhibition spaces, the Foam Café, and a meeting room overlooking the canal can be rented – for dinners, corporate events, meetings, workshops, and presentations; exclusive tours for up to 16 people with breakfast or an aperitif. Member of Platform Cultuur Locaties.
Inquiries & details| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
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| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Free public guided tours (included in admission) on Saturdays in odd-numbered calendar weeks: 11:00 in Dutch, 12:00 in English, each for up to 15 participants. Group tours and workshops through the education department (+31 20 551 6505, education@foam.org). Extensive school program from elementary school to university. |
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