Rotterdam is the architectural capital of the Netherlands. You can see the imposing skyline from afar, with the Euromast and Erasmus Bridge as characteristic landmarks.

Rotterdam creates the image
As a young, international city, Rotterdam continues to evolve and rebuild itself. Just look around you and you will see the evidence. There are skyscrapers in scaffolding whilst others are steadily climbing up. Central Station is being transformed into a hypermodern passenger terminal. On the Maas, Erasmus Bridge is the gateway to the Kop van Zuid. Here, the new icon of Rotterdam’s skyline is rising up: the Maastoren, with a height of 165 metres, will be the highest building in the Netherlands. The modern architecture on the rest of this piece of ‘Manhattan on the Maas’ is instantly eye-catching. The striking new Luxor Theatre was designed by Bolles + Wilson. A little further along is Montevideo, the highest apartment block in the Netherlands. It is for good reason therefore that Rotterdam attracts great international interest as a city of architecture.


Rotterdam keeps its classic buildings
The classic examples of modern urban design still attract attention in Rotterdam. The world-famous cube homes, the Grote or St. Laurenskerk, the Groothandelsgebouw and the Witte Huis, the first ‘skyscraper’ in Europe, are just a few examples. Rotterdam’s industrial heritage is honoured to the full. Old warehouses and factories are converted for new uses and give the original architecture a new, contemporary feel. For example, the historic Van Nelle factory complex now serves as a design factory, and the former Schiecentrale in the Lloydkwartier is the pulsating heart of Rotterdam’s audiovisual industry.


Rotterdam shows itself
The Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAi) possesses one of the most important collections of interiors, architecture, urban development and landscape in the world. In addition to the permanent exhibition Ordinary Architecture (Gewoon Architectuur), there are temporary exhibitions and lectures given there. With the same admission ticket, you can visit the Sonneveld House next door. This is one of the best preserved examples of ‘Nieuwe Bouwen’.


Rotterdam on foot
A good way to experience Rotterdam yourself is with walking tours. Discover this city of architecture with the 'Architecture in Rotterdam' guide, a walking tour that takes you along interesting building and key areas in the city centre that are worth to visit. Or do ' Roaming Rotterdam', a two-hour walk through the city centre and gaze up at the many skyscrapers and wander through the lively streets packed with museums, galleries, shops and bars.

> View the 'Architecture in Rotterdam' guide 

> View the 'Roaming Rotterdam' guide

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