A multifaceted presentation of photography unfolds on several floors in a historic canal house. Several exhibitions alternate in each room, ranging from documentary to fashion and from contemporary to historical. Visitors experience a lively atmosphere where photographs, textures of materials used and subtle light come together.
The Foam Photography Museum was founded in 2001 by Marloes Krijnen, who was also its first director. The building, a 19th-century renovation by Cornelis Outshoorn, later received a modern transformation by BenthemCrouwel. This combination of old and new also reflects Foam's concept; a place that houses several photography genres at once and offers young talent space alongside world-renowned names. The interior includes intimate rooms and an attic space where workshops take place.
Foam offers up to four exhibitions simultaneously, with programs ranging from fashion photography to documentary and art. In addition to exhibitions, Foam hosts workshops, debate nights, educational projects and a talent development program. The museum also keeps the international photography cream up to date through Foam Magazine, a quadrennial magazine. There is also its own gallery, Foam Editions, which sells handmade photo books and prints. The recent new visual design was developed by Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam, unifying museum, magazine and digital platforms.
Foam simultaneously presents up to four photography exhibitions covering all genres between documentary and fashion.
At Foam, photography comes together in a variety of forms and disciplines. The museum continues to grow in its focus on young talent and combines it with in-depth historical and contemporary collections. The building and program structure seem closely intertwined, providing space for both inspiration and learning.
Best Museums of Amsterdam