Discover the remarkable life and work of a pioneering photographer at Fotomuseum Den Haag
What does it take to capture a changing world through the lens of a camera? Hungarian-born photographer Eva Besnyö (1910–2003) did exactly that. From the vibrant streets of 1930s Berlin to the social movements that transformed the Netherlands, her photographs tell fascinating stories of people, places and progress.
From 5 September 2026 to 31 January 2027, Fotomuseum Den Haag presents Eva Besnyö – The Liberated Camera, one of the largest retrospectives ever devoted to this influential photographer.
Born in Budapest, Besnyö moved to Berlin before settling in the Netherlands in 1932, where she became a leading figure in modern photography. As an immigrant and independent woman, she carved out a successful career in a predominantly male artistic world.
Her distinctive style, characterised by unusual angles, striking compositions and an eye for everyday life, helped redefine photography as an art form. Whether photographing architecture, street scenes or intimate portraits, Besnyö revealed the extraordinary in the ordinary.
But her camera was more than an artistic instrument. Having experienced the rise of fascism and the Second World War, she later documented the transformation of Dutch society, including the iconic feminist movement Dolle Minas in the 1970s.
Drawing on the museum’s exceptional collection, the exhibition brings together original photographs, archival material and personal documents, offering visitors a fascinating journey through 20th-century European history.
For international residents, this exhibition provides a particularly compelling perspective on Dutch culture through the eyes of a woman who, having arrived from abroad, became an important voice in the country’s artistic and social history.
A must-see for photography lovers, history enthusiasts and anyone curious about the Netherlands beyond the familiar tourist attractions.
Eva Besnyö – The Liberated Camera
5 September 2026 – 31 January 2027
Fotomuseum Den Haag, The Hague