The Eye Filmmuseum, with its striking architecture, has swiftly become an emblem of modern Amsterdam. Nestled on the northern bank of the River IJ, directly across from Central Station, this multifaceted venue is a treasure trove for film lovers. As a cinema, museum, café/restaurant, and event space, the museum is an essential stop for anyone visiting the city.
A dynamic range of activities
Situated in the Overhoeks neighborhood, the Eye Filmmuseum stands out with its futuristic design and cultural significance. Visitors can enjoy a dynamic range of activities, from viewing cutting-edge exhibitions to participating in interactive installations. The museum is free to visit with the I amsterdam City Card. However, some special exhibitions may require an additional fee.
Inside, Eye boasts four state-of-the-art cinemas that screen the latest arthouse films and restored classics, accompanied by retrospectives, lectures, live music performances, and festivals. On the ground floor, the permanent exhibition offers a captivating journey through the history of cinema, showcasing iconic devices like the Mitchell 35mm camera, a mutoscope featuring Chaplin’s The Waiter, and the Kinamo camera used by Joris Ivens.
Interactive exhibits like the 360° film space, mini-cinemas known as Pods, and installations such as the Flipbook and Green Screen provide an immersive experience for all ages. Listening couches also allow visitors to delve into the world of famous film classics while enjoying views of the IJ.
More than 55,000 films
The Eye Filmmuseum manages an impressive collection of over 55,000 films spanning all genres! Alongside the collection, it holds an extensive archive of photographs, posters, and filmmakers’ documents. The museum not only preserves film heritage but also embraces contemporary film culture by hosting new acquisitions, programs, and debates.
The building, a beacon for film enthusiasts, offers various amenities including a shop, a bar-restaurant, and educational activities. Eye’s dedication to film restoration, research, and education has garnered international acclaim, making it a respected institution in the world of cinema.
What exhibitions can you see rights now?
Garrett Bradley – Revolutions
From 14 June to 7 September 2025, Eye Filmmuseum will host Revolutions. It is the first European solo exhibition by Oscar-nominated US artist Garrett Bradley. Known for her fusion of activism and experimental filmmaking, Bradley explores how cultural and social forces shape the way we see and represent ourselves and others. Through themes of political and personal transformation, her work highlights the quiet power of everyday resistance.
The Permanent Exhibition
The permanent exhibition at the Eye Filmmuseum invites visitors to explore various facets of the moving image, from early film developments to modern advancements. The museum offers hands-on experiences like creating flipbooks, using green screen technology to step into movie scenes. You can also enjoy private screenings of classic and rare films. Families can also embark on the Mission Supereyes discovery route, designed for children aged 4 to 12, to uncover the magic of cinema.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Tilda Swinton – Ongoing
This autumn, Eye Filmmuseum presents Tilda Swinton – Ongoing. It will be a deeply personal exhibition dedicated to the renowned Scottish performer, artist, and fashion icon. Focusing on her long-standing creative collaborations, the show features new and existing works by eight close artistic partners. This includes Pedro Almodóvar, Luca Guadagnino, Joanna Hogg, Jim Jarmusch, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Highlights include multimedia installations, intimate film portraits, live performances, and tributes to influential relationships, such as her work with filmmaker Derek Jarman. Marking the first time Eye has spotlighted a performer in such depth, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Swinton’s world of artistic exchange, memory, and transformation.
…and many more things to see and do! Look at all the programmes here.
📍Location: IJ promenade 1, 1031KT Amsterdam
⏰Hours: Exhibitions can be visited from 10:00 – 19:00 and Film screenings are from 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM / 10:00 PM