Art & Culture

The more than 170 cultures that live together in Rotterdam form a vibrant melting pot and give the city a unique, cosmopolitan vibe Quick links

The more than 170 cultures that live together in Rotterdam form a vibrant melting pot. They give the city a unique, cosmopolitan vibe, where art and culture find fertile soil. You don’t have to go looking for it, the public spaces are filled with art.

You will come across images from Rodin and Picasso, from the impressive collection of Sculpture International Rotterdam, just walking along the street. They are interspersed with works by local artists and street art from the hip hop scene. Museumpark is the place to enjoy the culture. Here you will find the Chabot Museum, Het Nieuwe Instituut and the Kunsthal. Within walking distance of each other, they offer a mix of old masters, modern art, contemporary design, photography and fashion. Due to the large-scale renovation of the museum building, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is temporarily closed. During this Transit period, eight institutions and museums across Rotterdam will be holding exhibitions with works of art from the museum collection under the title ‘Boijmans Next Door’. The collection will also be presented abroad by means of touring exhibitions. If you like theatre, dance and music, you’re also in the right place. The venues in Rotterdam offer a varied and international programme of performances and concerts.

Discover the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen

It is the first depot in the world that provides access to a complete collection without the intervention of a curator. The 40-metre high, mirrored building is a design from the Rotterdam architect Winy Maas from MVRDV and offers a beautiful, panoramic view of the city and the port from the freely accessible roof garden with restaurant. The Depot will open officially with the Golden Opening in the autumn of 2021.

The Depot explained

More museums and galeries

Museums & art institutions

Kunsthal Rotterdam Kunsthal Rotterdam is housed in a striking building designed by Rotterdam’s OMA/Rem Koolhaas architectural practice and was opened in 1992. Since then, the Kunsthal has put culture in the widest sense of the word on show, from elitist to popular.

Nederlands Fotomuseum (Dutch Photography Museum) Since the late 1980s, the Nederlands Fotomuseum (Dutch Photography Museum) has been home to much of the country’s photographic heritage. The museum also hosts international photography exhibitions.

Het Nieuwe Instituut The Museum of Architecture, Design and Digital Culture shows temporary exhibitions with a recurring theme of innovation. The Sonneveld House next door, is one of the best-preserved houses in the style of Dutch modernism.

Festivals in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a festival city of note: the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), Art Rotterdam Week, the North Sea Jazz Festival and the swinging Summer Carnival all contribute to keeping Rotterdam in the spotlight, each in its own way. Together, the events tell the story of the city. Rotterdam is known as one of the best festival cities in the world and was awarded the IFEA World City & Events Award. Be inspired by these attractive festivals!

The 50th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will take place from Wednesday 27 January until Sunday 7 February 2021.

International Film Festival Rotterdam

During the Art Rotterdam Week (3 - 7 February 2021), the city changes into a valhalla for art lovers. It's all about fairs and special exhibitions.

Art Rotterdam Week

The ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament (6 - 14 February 2021) is one of to the most prestigious sporting events in the Netherlands.

ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament

The the 40th edition of the NN Marathon Rotterdam is scheduled to take place on the 10th and 11th of April 2021.

NN Marathon Rotterdam

Exhibitions, debates, rooftop parties, excursions and sleepovers at an architects' place: in May & June 2021 Rotterdam is all about architecture during the Rotterdam Architecture Month.

Rotterdam Architecture Month

NN North Sea Jazz Festvial (9 - 11 July 2021) is the largest indoor music festival in the world, known globally as the event where the past, present and future of jazz are featured within three days.

NN North Sea Jazz Festival

2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the epic voyage of the Pilgrims from Delfshaven to the ‘New World’ of America. Events are organized from 16 July - 8 August 2021.

Delfshaven400

Rotterdam Unlimited takes place for 5 days (27 - 31 Jul 2020), each year at the end of July. With the iconic Summer Carnival Street Parade and much more...

Rotterdam Unlimited

The World Port Days is the Netherlands' largest annual maritime festival, spread over three full days in September ((3 - 5 September 2021).

Wereldhavendagen

Rotterdam is the street culture city of the Netherlands and with talented people and grassroots initiatives in the field of street art, hip-hop and street sports. During RSCW all street culture movements come together.

Rotterdam Street Culture Weekend