Every day we are inundated with images via television, social media, newspapers, magazines and chat apps. But what do we actually see and who decides that? Precisely those questions were central Beyond the photo, the new photo exhibition, which opened from October 17, 2025 in the Schathuys of the Zuiderzee Museum.
Never before exhibited photographic material challenged visitors to think about imaging, perception and interpretation. Humberto Tan, Elke Wiss and Victor Mids shared their own view of a number of photos in the form of an audio story, allowing you to experience the images in a completely different way.
For the first time in its history, the museum offered a complete program especially for visitors with a visual impairment, with relief photos, tactile objects and audio descriptions.
A photographic journey around the former Zuiderzee
Beyond the photo took visitors on a photographic journey of discovery through life on and around the former Zuiderzee. This region has been a popular subject for photographers since the dawn of photography.
From colorful costumes and fishing ships in the harbor to exuberant village festivals and the everyday street scene: thousands of photos in the collection of the Zuiderzee Museum told the story of a changing landscape and its inhabitants. The exhibition showed a special selection of these – and more.
What do you see in a photo?
Every photo tells a story, but not everyone sees the same thing. What you observe is influenced by your own experiences, memories and knowledge. The photographer's intention also plays a role, but ultimately you as a viewer determine what you see and what meaning you give it.
Image is never completely objective – not for the maker and not for the viewer. For Humberto Tan, Elke Wiss and Victor Mids, this realization is not an abstract theory, but daily practice. Each of them questions images in his or her own way.
You discovered in the exhibition how Humberto, Elke and Victor look at photos: you can hear their personal observations in audio stories accompanying a number of images.
Famous photographers and timeless themes
The Zuiderzee inspired and still inspires many photographers. Works by, among others, Henri Berssenbrugge, Ed van der Elsken, Hendrik Kerstens, Henk van der Leeden, Jimmy Nelson and Roger Parry are part of the exhibition.
They captured characteristic Zuiderzee themes: residents in traditional costumes, historic boats in the harbour, the Volendammer fair and disappeared street scenes.
Inclusive experience for everyone
Beyond the photo was accessible to a wide audience – including people with visual impairments. The experience of the exhibition was sensory enriched through relief photos, tactile objects, high contrasts and a tailor-made audio tour.
Monthly guided tours were also organized for visitors with a visual impairment. The tour was accompanied by a museum teacher, who brought the exhibition to life with extra attention and customization.
Beyond the photo
October 17, 2025 to April 6, 2026
Schathuys Zuiderzee Museum
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