ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam is the second largest city in The Netherlands and has reinvented itself as a hotbed of architecture and design by raising itself from the ashes of WW2. The dazzling towers, swooping designs, and exciting spaces showcase some of the world’s leading contemporary architects.
KUNSTHAL
WEBSITE: WWW.KUNSTHAL.NL
VISIT TIME: 1.5 HOURS
Located at the edge of a park, the Kunsthal is an impressive institution built in the late 80’s and lightly refurbished in 2014, all to the design (and under the watchful eye) of Rem Koolhaas. The building is made up of innovative materials, open corridors and sharp shapes, which typify his practice. Filling the six main exhibition halls are carefully curated shows that explore various creative disciplines; fashion, photography, design, and architecture. It will surprise and delight you. It is clear as to why it a leading institution in The Netherlands. The restaurant is very good and the shop is fun.
MUSEUM BOIJMANS VAN BEUNINGEN
WEBSITE: WWW.BOIJMANS.NL
VISIT TIME: 2 HOURS
To be visited… but I have it on good authority that it is great.
MARKTHAL ROTTERDAM
WEBSITE: WWW.MARKTHALROTTERDAM.NL
VISIT TIME: AS LONG AS LUNCH OR DINNER CAN TAKE
A development consisting of residential flats and office space all hovering above a Dutch food market, the Markthal is a new concept for an indoor market-cum-living space. MVRDV, the site architects, commissioned digital-artist Arno Coenen to create a work for the domed interior of the market ceiling. The resulting work Hoorn des Overvloeds (Horn of Plenty) has been dubbed the modern Sistine Chapel. You can make your mind up while enjoying some Brandstore De Rotterdamsche Oude cheese and craft beer.
WITTE DE WITH
WEBSITE: WWW.WDW.NL
VISIT TIME: 45 MINUTES TO AN HOUR
Witte de With constantly evaluates not only the role of the artist and curator but also the role and value of itself as an institution, and its purpose. To do this, there is an active turnover of staff and directors, with a cut-off of 6 years in service. The programme strives to be critical and ‘of our time’, reflecting on current issues and discourses.
ERASMUSBRUG
WEBSITE: NONE
VISIT TIME: 5 MINUTE STROLL TO CROSS THE BRIDGE
Connecting the north and south side of the city, the Erasmus Bridge (named after the prominent 15th century priest and theologian) was designed by Ben van Berkel, and is a really cool bridge. Go have a walk across is in the morning sun.
