Jimmy Nelson shows the Netherlands like you've never seen it before

Photographer Jimmy Nelson shows the Netherlands as you've never seen it before. In Between the Sea and the Sky he brings Dutch traditions to life in breathtaking portraits. On display from 9 February to 21 September 2025 at Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof in Maastricht.

Our little country is known abroad as the country of windmills, clogs and cheese. But of course the Netherlands has so much more to offer. Photographer Jimmy Nelson shows this in a spectacular way in his new exhibition, in which twenty Dutch communities paraded in front of his lens in traditional costumes.

Nelson, internationally acclaimed for his portraits of indigenous peoples, this time turns his lens to his adopted homeland. In Between the Sea and the Sky he shows 65 impressive photo works and two video productions in which the beauty of Dutch traditions is central. The images with wide skies were made in picturesque fishing villages, polder landscapes and fortified towns. 

Using his large-format analog camera, Nelson captures his subjects in a way that recalls the paintings of the Old Masters—but with a modern twist. The soft lighting, deep colors, and razor-sharp details give the photographs an almost timeless feel.

More than a trip down memory lane

Yes, the images evoke nostalgia, but Between the Sea and the Sky is more than just a romantic ode to the past. Nelson wants to show how valuable traditions are in a world that is changing rapidly. At a time when old customs are increasingly disappearing into the background, he puts them in the spotlight—and invites visitors to think about it carefully.

The Fotomuseum at the Vrijthof is the place for this journey through Dutch culture. In addition to the exhibition, there is a fringe program with artist talks and activities for young and old. 

Want to know more? View the website here.