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Now on view

American Photography

Unforgettable images of the beauty and brutality of a nation

From news and advertising photos to photographic art and family snaps, no country embraced photography as quickly after its invention as the United States. This exhibition of more than 200 works shines a light on the multifaceted history of photography in America.

American Photography shows how the camera has been a witness to the hopes and dreams of an entire society, and to watershed moments in history. From the very first photographs of a human being to Robert Frank’s famous series The Americans, American Photography tells the story of a country in constant flux.

American Photography: unforgettable images of the beauty and brutality of a nation.

The Guardian

Like Golden Age paintings in 17th century Holland, photography – democratic, accessible, fast, innovative – created American identity. The Rijksmuseum’s generous, far-ranging exhibition expresses that open spirit.

Financial Times

Talk

If you are a lover of American photography, come and explore the subject in more depth at this talk and Q&A. Discover everything about the background to the exhibition and how it was put together, so when you visit the exhibition afterwards you’ll understand more, see more, and enjoy more.

Carrie Mae Weems: Painting the Town

The display in the Rijksmuseum’s photography gallery of Carrie Mae Weems’ 2021 series Painting the Town will run concurrently with American Photography. This is the first show of Weems’s work in the Netherlands. At first sight these striking images resemble abstract paintings, but they are in fact photographs that the artist made in her home city of Portland.

Symposium Future Memories

On Wednesday 14 May, 2025 the Rijksmuseum presents a one-day international symposium exploring the impact of photojournalism and documentary photography on our perceptions of the world.

Photography collection

The Rijksmuseum’s photography collection comprises some 200,000 photographs and photo books, all of them exceptional examples of international photography from 1839 to today. Its main focus is on Dutch, French and, since 2005, American photography. This exhibition presents work from our collection of American photography for the first time.

Partners

American Photography is made possible in part by our main partner Baker McKenzie, Rijksmuseum Patrons and the following Rijksmuseum funds: Jan & Trish de Bont, the Marque Joosten & Eduard Planting Fund and Rijksmuseum International Circle.

Carrie Mae Weems: Painting the Town is made possible in part by the Friend’s Lottery (VriendenLoterij) and the Women of the Rijksmuseum Fund.  
Book the in-depth talk

Visit American Photography and the Rijksmuseum

Select your tickets

Entrance adult

€25.00

Entrance ages 18 and under

Free

Entrance EYCA

€12.50

I already have a ticket/voucher

Free

Select this option if you already have a valid ticket such as an E-ticket, I amsterdam City Card, VriendenLoterij VIP ticket, GoCity, KOG membership card, KVVAK, Rembrandt Association (Vereniging Rembrandt), or if you are accompanying a visitor with a disability. If you have a pass, be sure to bring the pass with you during your visit. It will be checked at the entrance.

You are required to reserve a starting time.

For employees of our partners, a free employee access arrangement applies. If you have any questions, you can also check directly with your employer.

For holders of an ICOM or ICOMOS-card, it is not necessary to reserve a start time. However, please bring the physical card with you during your visit, as it will be checked at the entrance.

Entrance Netherlands Museum Pass

Free

Choose this option only if you hold a Museum Card. You can book 1 ticket per Museum Card. All visitors are required to book a time slot. Please do not book more time slots than you need.

You wish to order {{totalArticles}} tickets. Currently we allow a maximum of 15 persons per booking.

Total

7 February to 9 June 2025

PRICES

A visit starts with a start time.

  • Adults: € 25
  • Free for 18 and under
  • Free for ICOM
  • Free for Friends

ADDRESS

Museumstraat 1
1071 XX Amsterdam

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair access
Lifts on every floor
Guide dogs allowed

More information

CASHLESS

In the whole museum you can only pay with a digital payment method or credit card.

FAQ

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Impression of American Photography
New

10 things about American Photography

Unraveling a Forgotten Street Scene

10 min

€ 5 pp

Lecture American Photography

In-depth lecture about the exhibition

Fotogram van plant, "Tree-in Gov. Cleghorn's Place, Honolulu" Fotogram van plant, "Tree-in Gov. Cleghorn's Place, Honolulu"

Discover American Photography in Collection Online