Utrecht Through Moesman's Lens
The exhibition entitled Utrecht Through Moesman's Lens, held in the Utrecht Archives, takes you all the way back to Utrecht from the start of 1900 through the many photographs taken by amateur photographer Johannes Anthonius Moesman. His snapshots of markets, fun fairs and faces of the city provide a glimpse of daily life when the city was starting to change into how it looks today.
The starting point of the exhibition is Moesman's shop, where you can see examples of his lithographic works and learn that he also did photography. Then you accompany him through the city, and look through his lens, as it were. You are taken through a representation of Utrecht of the early 1900s in a special room, and see recognisable locations. Enriched with animation, soundscapes and activities for children, Moesman’s city comes back to life and you experience the past as though you yourself are walking through it.
Client
Utrechts Archief
Term: 9 October 2024 - 27 April 2025
Year: 2024
Location:
Utrechts ArchiefPhotography: Mike Bink




Moesman's shop
Moesman’s shop is the starting point of the exhibition, and here you see how this was his workplace, warehouse and display location for his collections and where he developed his photographs.
Walking with Moesman
Then you accompany Moesman, armed with his camera, through the city. A fascinating space shows a representation of Utrecht in the early 1900s and brings you to places you might recognise, such as Neude and Vredenburg.

Living photos
We project ‘living photos’ onto various places in the space. Through animation, we bring some photographs to life in 3D give you the sense of looking through Moesman’s lens while he takes his shot. Enriched with a soundscape, this ensures a vivid and memorable experience.
Discovery Map
With a discovery map, children can go on an adventure through the city and learn everything about Utrecht, the people, and Moesman himself. At the end of their adventure, they lay the map down on a lightbox and see which questions they were able to answer correctly.
Activities for our littlest visitors
For our littlest visitors, we have simple but fun activities to help them learn about Utrecht in an enjoyable way.