De Inktpot is one of the most distinctive buildings in Utrecht and one of the largest brick structures in the Netherlands. Located near Utrecht Centraal, the building was originally constructed in the early 20th century as the headquarters for the Dutch railway company. Its nickname, which translates to "The Inkwell," comes from its massive rectangular form and dark brick exterior. The architecture is bold and symmetrical, with repetitive windows, deep brick detailing, and a large central courtyard. What makes De Inktpot especially interesting for photographers is how industrial scale meets precise design. Long rows of windows, strong vertical towers, and the famous UFO artwork on the roof create compositions that feel graphic and structured rather than decorative.
Best Photography Opportunities
• Moreelsepark Viewpoints –
Moreelsepark provides one of the clearest and most practical viewpoints of De Inktpot. From the open lawn and pathways in the park, you can photograph the long brick façade stretching across the frame with the corner towers anchoring each end. This perspective works well because there is enough distance to capture the building's scale without distortion. A moderate wide lens allows you to include foreground elements like trees, grass, or walkways to add depth. Early morning is especially productive when the park is quieter and the light is softer on the brick. If the sky has light cloud texture, it can help balance the large architectural surface with visual interest above.
• Corner Tower Perspectives –
The corners of De Inktpot create strong architectural compositions where the building's height and length meet in a single frame. Positioning yourself slightly off the corner allows the tower to dominate the foreground while the long rows of windows extend into the distance along the street. This perspective emphasizes the massive scale of the structure and the repeating rhythm of the windows. A moderate wide lens works best here to exaggerate depth without distorting the tower. Side lighting enhances the brick texture and helps separate the tower from the receding wall. Even small changes in position can dramatically improve how the lines of the building flow through the frame.
• UFO Sculpture –
The large UFO sculpture placed on the roof is one of the most recognizable features of De Inktpot. From certain streets surrounding the building, the spacecraft appears to hover above the roofline. A mid range zoom or short telephoto lens works well to isolate the sculpture while still including enough of the building to give context. Shooting from a slightly lower position strengthens the illusion that the UFO is floating. Overcast skies often help the metallic object stand out clearly against a neutral background. Taking time to move around the building will help you find angles where the UFO separates cleanly from the roofline.
• Repeating Window Patterns –
One of the defining characteristics of De Inktpot is the endless sequence of evenly spaced windows running along the brick exterior. Standing parallel to the building allows you to photograph these rows as a graphic pattern that stretches across the frame. A longer focal length helps compress the perspective and emphasize repetition. This type of shot works particularly well when the light is soft and even, which keeps the brick tones consistent across the entire wall. Including only a portion of the building can create a more abstract architectural composition that highlights rhythm rather than scale.
• Blue Hour with Interior Lights –
As evening arrives, the building takes on a different character when interior office lights begin to glow behind the rows of windows. During blue hour, the sky still holds color while the warm interior light creates a grid of illuminated rectangles across the dark brick exterior. A tripod is recommended to keep architectural lines sharp while using longer exposures. Positioning yourself where the window rows appear evenly aligned helps strengthen the repeating pattern. Calm evenings often provide the most balanced exposures between sky and building. This is one of the most effective times to highlight the structure's symmetry and scale.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning is a good time to photograph De Inktpot if you want quieter streets and softer light. The surrounding area near Utrecht Centraal becomes busy during the day, so arriving early helps with cleaner compositions. Overcast conditions are often beneficial because they balance the tones of the brick and reduce contrast across the building's large surfaces.
Late afternoon and blue hour are also productive times, especially if interior lights are visible through the windows. This creates contrast between the warm interior glow and the cooler evening sky. Because the building is large and surrounded by open streets and park space, it can be photographed throughout the day as long as you adjust angles based on light direction.
How to Get There
De Inktpot is located next to Utrecht Centraal, the main railway station in Utrecht, Netherlands. From the station, it is only a short walk toward Moreelsepark. The building is easily visible due to its large size and distinctive brick exterior.
The surrounding streets and park areas provide public access for photography. While the building itself functions as office space and interior access is very limited, exterior viewpoints are easily accessible on foot. No entrance fee is required to photograph the exterior.
Recommended Photography Gear
A wide lens is helpful for capturing the full scale of the building and its courtyard geometry. A mid range zoom works well for architectural framing and adjusting compositions without moving too far from your position. A telephoto lens can isolate details such as the rooftop UFO or repeating window patterns.
A tripod is useful for blue hour photography and longer exposures when the building lights are visible. A polarizer can help manage reflections in windows and deepen sky tones on clearer days. Because the location is urban and easily accessible, a compact kit is usually sufficient.
Nearby Photography Locations
contrasts sharply with the historic brick of De Inktpot. The station interior features glass roofs, steel structures, and busy transit scenes. It offers opportunities for architectural and urban photography.
• Moreelsepark
sits directly in front of De Inktpot and provides open green space with clear views of the building. Pathways and trees can be used as foreground elements when photographing the architecture. It is also a pleasant place for wider city compositions.
is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and a defining feature of Utrecht's skyline. Its Gothic stone architecture contrasts with the industrial style of De Inktpot. Climbing the tower provides panoramic views of the city.
features unique wharf level walkways and waterside cafés. The layered architecture along the canal provides strong urban compositions. Early morning and evening reflections work especially well here.
is a famous modernist building designed by Gerrit Rietveld that offers a completely different architectural style. Its geometric lines and primary colors make it a strong subject for design focused photography. It provides an interesting contrast to the heavy brick construction of De Inktpot.
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