Honig Complex

A factory that never really stopped

The Honig Complex on the Waalbandijk in Nijmegen was for many years one of the largest food production factories in the Netherlands. Honig, the brand behind the soups and pasta sauces, produced here on a large scale for decades. Today it is a creative hub full of studios, eateries and workshops. The buildings are largely still as they were. That is what makes this complex so interesting for photographers: the industrial bones are intact, but the life inside has changed.

What you will find here photographically

The facade walls are covered in street art, from small tags to large murals that span the entire side of a building. That gives you a playground of color and texture, even when the light is fairly flat. Combined with the weathered brick, rusty structures and tall warehouse spaces, you have material here for both abstract and narrative images. I like coming here with a 35mm or 50mm lens: you are close to your subject, but still have enough room to capture the context.

Portrait photographers will find a versatile environment. The connecting passageways and inner courtyards offer variety. You get soft shadows in the morning and warm backlight at the end of the afternoon, when the sun sits low above the Waal. Overcast weather works well too: the textures come into their own without harsh shadows.

Practical

The complex is freely accessible during the day. There are regular events, markets and exhibitions, so check in advance whether anything special is planned. On busy days it fills up inside, which creates opportunities for street photography but also reflections and activity in your background. Early in the morning you will have the site almost to yourself. Parking is available along the Waalbandijk or nearby, though on market days it gets busier. The complex is within walking distance of the Nijmegen city center, so combining the two makes obvious sense.

Worth visiting all year round

Summer brings more visitors and lively scenes. In winter the atmosphere is quieter and the buildings stand out more sharply in the light. Rain adds an extra layer: wet cobblestones reflect the street art and the neon glow of the eateries. There is always something to find here, whatever the season.

Sources and further reading

• Honig Complex officiële website
• Gemeente Nijmegen over het Honig Complex
• Wikipedia: Honig (bedrijf)