The EYE Film Institute's new home offers state-of-the-art, modern viewing and exhibition spaces that draws 700 000 people a year to the landmark building.
Putting Dutch film culture firmly on the map
- 04 December 2014
“Through its programming of both national and international films and exhibitions, EYE has a profound influence on film culture in both Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Together with other developments on the northern IJ banks, EYE has placed this previously little known part of Amsterdam on the map.”
Originally founded in 1946, EYE is dedicated to developing a vigorous film culture in the Netherlands. From 1975, the museum was located in the Vondelparkpaviljoen but in 2005, plans were announced for a new home on the northern bank of Amsterdam's waterfront. The construction of the building started in 2009 and was finished in late 2011.
Four auditoriums and a great view over the IJ
The new EYE building features 1 300 m2 of exhibition space and four modern film auditoriums. A digital playground, workshop space, a museum shop, a bar and a restaurant as well as workspaces complete the building. EYE’s restoration, preservation and research activities, as well as its film library are housed elsewhere. In the summer, EYE’s sunny terrace offers a great view over the IJ, Amsterdam’s waterfront, which has been undergoing a major transition — with industrial areas being transformed into urban neighbourhoods.
EYE's design by Delugan Meissl Associated Architects has been praised by both the press and public. The building was officially opened on 4 April 2012 by the then Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
Internationally renowned film collection
EYE houses an internationally renowned film collection that covers the entire history of cinema — from the very first silent films dating from the late 19th century, up to the latest contemporary digital productions. The collection consists of 46 000 film titles, 96 000 posters, 700 000 stills, 1 900 periodicals and 30 000 books. It is the source of inspiration for the institute’s many film programmes, exhibitions and events.
The project has created 100 permanent jobs: 22 in EYE itself and 78 in the bar and restaurant.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “EYE Film Institute Netherlands” is EUR 3 872 950 of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 1 471 721 from the operational programme West Netherlands for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.