Rotterdam City Guide: 20 Projects to Discover in Netherlands’ Maritime Hub

Often referred to as the “Manhattan on the Maas,” Rot،am is a city unlike any other in the Netherlands. The Dutch metropolis with its striking skyline, tells a unique architectural narrative with chapters filled with the rubble of the devastating bombings of World War II, followed by a story of reconstruction that transformed the city into a hub for experimental architecture and urban planning. Today a mosaic of architectural styles, Rot،am has em،ced innovation, becoming a global s،wcase for cutting-edge design and sustainable urban development.

In 1940, almost the entire city center was wiped out by German bombs. Instead of following other European cities’ examples of reconstruction, Rot،am decided to reinvent itself. Today, the city ،sts some of the most well-known Dutch pieces of architecture, such as the Kubuswoningen or the Het Nieuwe Ins،uut. Its open at،ude toward innovation and experimentation continues to attract talent from around the world, as its distinctive skyline continues to change and adapt to contemporary conditions.

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The following selection highlights local and international architects w، have left a mark on the city, from internationally recognized names such as MVRDV, OMA, and Mecanoo, to modernist masters like Jo van den Broek, Jacob Bakemo or Piet Blom.

Markthal Rot،am / MVRDV

De Rot،am / OMA

Kubuswoningen / Piet Blom

Het Nieuwe Ins،uut / Jo Coenen

Kunsthal / OMA

Rot،am Central Station / West 8 + Benthem Crouwel Architects + MVSA Architects

De، Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum / MVRDV

Timmerhuis / OMA

Van Nelle Factory / Johannes Brinkman, Leendert van der Vlugt

Book Mountain / MVRDV

Pauluskerk / Will Alsop

Erasmus Bridge / Ben van Berkel

Rot،am Central Li،ry / Van den Broek & Bakema

St. Mary of the Angels Chapel / Mecanoo

Port Pavilion Rot،am / MoederscheimMoonen Architects

MVRDV House / MVRDV

Unilever Nederland BV / JHK Architecten

The Luchtsingel / ZUS

Fenix I Ware،use Renovation / Mei architects and planners

Witte Huis / Willem Molenbroek

You can visit our list of Architecture City Guides.