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Home > Museums > Museum tours > FOMU | Photo Museum > Guided tour – Magic & Power: Photography and Belgium, 1839-1900
Guided tour – Magic & Power: Photography and Belgium, 1839-1900
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Louis-Pierre-Théophile Dubois de Nehaut, Jubileumfeesten, Brussel, 1856, Collectie FOMU, P1992146 (1)
Guided tour – Magic & Power: Photography and Belgium, 1839-1900
©
Victor Plumier, Zittende jongeman, Parijs, Collectie FOMU 2022105 (1)

FOMU | Photo Museum

Guided tour – Magic & Power: Photography and Belgium, 1839-1900

From October 24th 2025 until March 8th 2026

For the first time in 40 years, FOMU presents an impressive retrospective on early Belgian photography. Step back in time and experience the magic of the new medium, from the very first photographers to its impact on society and the power dynamics between photographer, photographed and public. On a guided tour with a FOMU guide, you will discover the fascinating stories and historical context behind the images. Be guided through the exhibition Magie & Macht and learn how Belgian photography developed in the 19th century.

In which languages is this activity/tour/event available?
Dutch, French, English
Read full description

Available time slots

To see if the desired time slot is available, enter the number of participants under ‘Group size (Group ticket)’, choose the guide language and select the date.

From 23/10/2025 10:00 pm (UTC) until 08/03/2026 10:59 pm (UTC)

€124,50 per group

Attention: for this tour you must purchase museum entrance tickets separately.

First put the desired time slot for this tour in your shopping cart and then purchase your entrance tickets via the link you will find on the next page (‘cart’).

Waalsekaai 47, 2000 Antwerpen
Waalsekaai 47, 2000 Antwerpen

After the introduction of photography in 1839, the medium was quickly embraced in Belgium. The country, which had just gained independence in 1830, developed into a major hub for technological innovation. Thanks to the well-to-do middle class, which considered photography the new means of presentation par excellence, the medium got off to a flying start in Belgium. The Belgian government, the industrial sector and the financial world also actively contributed to the rapid spread and development of photography.

In the exhibition Magie & Macht, FOMU presents never-before-seen photos and highlights the diversity of the medium. From familiar subjects such as portraits and landscapes, to less common photography such as propaganda, medical and legal photography. This exhibition offers a fascinating overview of the versatility and development of early photography. Learn more about the pioneers who put photography on the map in Belgium and discover hidden stories behind the lens during a guided tour with a FOMU guide.

Practical information:

  • This guided tour is suitable for groups of adults
  • Maximum 20 persons per group
  • Duration: 90 minutes
Contact details for visitors
http://www.fotomuseum.be
Waalsekaai 47
2000 Antwerpen
Opening hours
Monday: closed
Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00-18:00
The museum is also closed on the following holidays: 1 January, 24 December, 25 December and 31 December
How many groups can you book with at the same time?

You can book this visit with 2 groups at the same time.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the entire museum is wheelchair accessible. There are also stools for those with reduced mobility.

  • During a 1.5-hour tour, the guide takes you through early Belgian photography and explains how the medium played a role in different power relations.
  • The guide highlights the work of photographic pioneers from the 19th century.
  • The guide encourages you to take a slow and in-depth look at the works of art.
  • The guide uses guide techniques such as Visual Thinking Strategies to stimulate conversation.
  • You are encouraged to look consciously and in depth at the photographs and film footage.
  • It is possible to reserve whisper sets (audio amplification) for your tour (max. 2 groups at the same time). Please reserve this in advance by email.
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