On 12 and 13 September, the Nederlands Fotomuseum, the Dutch national museum of photography, takes part in Open Monumentendag. Explore the Santos warehouse through photography, architecture and heritage. Join a tour of the building, investigate how sunlight moves through Santos in a cyanotype workshop or capture the details of the monumental warehouse yourself.

The national theme of Open Monumentendag 2026 is Resilient Heritage. This theme fits the Santos warehouse well. The former coffee warehouse, built in 1902, has been given a new purpose as a museum in recent years. Historic details remain visible, while new architectural interventions have adapted the building for its present-day use.

From warehouse to museum

During Open Monumentendag, you can learn more about this transformation. On Saturday, architect Sander Nelissen of WDJArchitecten guides you through Santos and explains the choices involved in restoring, adapting and reusing the monument.

On Sunday, Sofie from Gebouwen door Vrouwen explores the building through the theme of Resilient Heritage. What did it take to turn a warehouse dating from 1902 into a museum for photography? And how can existing heritage be given a new future?

The transformation of the Santos warehouse has been nominated for this year’s NRP Gulden Feniks, a national award for renovation and transformation projects. Santos has also been nominated for the Dutch Daylight Award 2026.

Photographing with sunlight

Photography and architecture also come together in a cyanotype workshop by artists Carolin Lange and Dico Kruijsse. During their Under the Same Sun workshop, you approach the building as a camera. Follow the sunlight moving through the Nederlands Fotomuseum and capture it in deep-blue prints.

You can also bring your own camera. Look closely at the details of Santos, capture the building from your perspective during Open Monumentendag and share your photograph with @NLfotomuseum.

The Nederlands Fotomuseum remains open as usual on 12 and 13 September. Museumkaart and Rotterdampas holders can visit the museum free of charge.

View the activities and register for a tour or workshop.