Amsterdam
Permanent collection

Explore the Evolution of Moving Images: 'What is Film?' at Eye Filmmuseum

Journey through the captivating history of cinema with interactive exhibits and the museum's unique collection.

Dive into the captivating world of cinema with 'What is Film?', Eye Filmmuseum's engaging permanent exhibition. Visitors can explore the fascinating development of film from its early days to contemporary forms, interacting with the museum's extensive collection. Learn about pioneering cameras, enjoy film clips, and create your own animated films through various hands-on installations. This experience makes the rich history and artistry of film accessible for all ages.

About What is Film? at Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for What is Film? at Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

Explore the fascinating evolution of film from its early beginnings to the present day in Eye Filmmuseum's permanent exhibition. Visitors can delve into the museum's unique collection, understand the mechanics of early cameras, enjoy film clips, and engage with various interactive installations, including making their own flip books and animated films.

Curatorial context

The permanent exhibition "What is Film?" at Eye Filmmuseum offers an immersive journey into the essence and evolution of cinema. Located on the lower level and throughout the museum, it illuminates diverse facets of the moving image world. Visitors can trace the development of film from its nascent stages to contemporary forms, browse through Eye's distinctive collection of cinematic artifacts, and learn about the workings of pioneering cameras. The exhibition features a range of engaging experiences, from viewing mesmerizing film clips to participating in hands-on activities like creating flip books and animated films. Beyond the central displays, the exhibition integrates various interactive components across the museum. These include the Green Screen where visitors can insert themselves into film scenes, mini cinemas showcasing classic and rare films, and the Film Catcher, an interactive wall that conjures visual collections based on filter words. The Animation Gallery explores creative processes, while display tables highlight historical film equipment. Additional elements like the Poster Gallery, interactive film devices, audio benches offering 3D sound stories, and animation tables for stop-motion film creation further enrich the experience, making the history and artistry of film accessible and engaging for all ages.

Admission and ticket notes

The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00. Admission can be gained with either a film or exhibition ticket, and children aged 17 and under enjoy free entry. Guided tours in Dutch Sign Language (NGT) are also available, and visitors can access videos in NGT on their smartphones by scanning QR codes throughout the exhibition.

What is Film? key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for What is Film? at Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam

Venue
Eye Filmmuseum
Current status
Permanent collection
Exhibition schedule
Permanent display (no announced closing date)
Artist line / attribution
While primarily focusing on the history and technology of film, the exhibition features interactive installations by various creators, including artist Memo Akten for the 'Body Paint' experience.
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Wat is film?: Eye Filmmuseum's Permanent Exhibition on Film Evolution and Interactive Displays

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Eye Filmmuseum's Audio Benches: Immersive 3D Sound Stories on Film Classics

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