Pakhuis Santos, home to the Nederlands Fotomuseum since February 2026, has been nominated for the Dutch Daylight Award 2026. Presented every two years, the award recognises buildings that make exceptional use of daylight. This year’s theme is ‘Magical Spaces’.

From warehouse to museum

The nomination is a wonderful recognition of the transformation of the historic warehouse, originally built in 1902. Once used to store coffee, Pakhuis Santos is now an open home for photography: a place where visitors explore exhibitions, move through the national photography collection and discover what it takes to preserve, research and make photographic archives accessible.

Daylight at Pakhuis Santos

Daylight plays a central role in that experience. Flowing through the open atrium at the heart of the building, natural light reaches deep into the museum. Combined with the distinctive roof structure, it creates a different atmosphere throughout the day.

Since February 2026, Pakhuis Santos has brought together photography, collections and craftsmanship under one roof. This nomination highlights the unique building that now serves as the new home of the Nederlands Fotomuseum, where visitors not only experience photography, but also gain a closer understanding of the collection and the work that happens behind the scenes.

Pakhuis Santos has been nominated in the category Buildings over 1,000 m². The project was designed by WDJARCHITECTEN and RENNER HAINKE WIRTH ZIRN ARCHITEKTEN.

Seven projects have been shortlisted for the Dutch Daylight Award 2026. The winner will be announced on 30 September 2026 during the Dutch Daylight Event at the Metaal Kathedraal in Utrecht.

Read more about the nomination on the Dutch Daylight Award website.