Rotterdam Architecture: Top 10 Iconic Buildings & Design Highlights

Standing as a testament to modern urban design, De Rotterdam is a colossal mixed-use complex designed by Rem Koolhaas's OMA. Completed in 2013, its three interconnected towers rise 150 meters above the Maas River, with offices, residences, and a hotel. The building creates a dynamic silhouette, reflecting Rotterdam's innovative spirit. For the best view, enjoy a cocktail at Gastrobar Elvy, located on the 7th floor of the nhow hotel.

Since 2022, De Zalmhaven has held the title of tallest residential building in the Benelux. Designed by Dam & Partners Architects, the slender 215-meter tower cuts a striking figure along the river with its glass façade and elegant proportions. The contrast between the main tower and the surrounding mid-rise buildings creates a rhythmic cityscape. Head up to restaurant Celest on the 57th floor for panoramic views of Rotterdam. 

Nicknamed "The Swan" for its graceful, asymmetrical pylon, the Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge) is a striking feat of engineering and design. Designed by Ben van Berkel of UNStudio and completed in 1996, the 802-meter-long bridge connects the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam, symbolizing the city's unity and forward momentum. The bridge has become a defining symbol of the modern city. 

Transforming a historic 1923 warehouse into a contemporary cultural hub, housing exhibitions on migration, identity, and emotion. Fenix, designed by MAD Architects, in collaboration with Bureau Polderman, maintains the building's industrial character while introducing a dramatic 30-meter-tall double-helix staircase known as the "Tornado." This architectural centerpiece offers panoramic views and symbolizes the journeys of migrants, aligning with the museum's theme. 

A playful take on urban living, the Cube Houses designed by Piet Blom in 1984 tilt conventional architecture on its head, literally. Each cube is rotated 45 degrees and perched atop a hexagonal pillar. Blom saw each unit as a “tree,” and together they create a playful urban “forest.” Visitors can tour a show cube at the Kijk-Kubus museum-house to experience what it’s like inside. 

An exemplar of architectural experimentation, the Kunsthal, designed by Rem Koolhaas's OMA and completed in 1992, challenges traditional museum layouts. Its sloping floors and intersecting ramps create a fluid experience, guiding visitors through diverse exhibition spaces. The building's raw materials and transparent façades reflect Rotterdam's industrial heritage, making it a true 1990s design icon.  

Redesigned and reopened in 2014, Rotterdam Central Station serves as a gateway to the city. The collaboration between Benthem Crouwel Architects, MVSA, and West 8 resulted in a structure that blends functionality with striking design. The angular roof points directly toward the city center, welcoming visitors with a sense of direction and modernity. While the original 1957 station by Sybold van Ravesteyn is gone, his architectural legacy lives on in several nearby heritage sites, including parts of Diergaarde Blijdorp. 

Surviving the 1940 bombing, Rotterdam's City Hall stands as a symbol of resilience. Designed by Henri Evers and completed in 1920, the building showcases a blend of neo-Renaissance, Byzantine, and Art Deco styles. Step inside to discover a peaceful inner courtyard surrounded by greenery, one of the city’s lesser-known architectural gems. 

Opened in 1937, Stadion Feyenoord, better known as De Kuip, was designed by Leendert van der Vlugt. Built from concrete and steel, it reflects the principles of Het Nieuwe Bouwen (New Objectivity): clarity, function, and structure. With floating tiers and open rings, it echoes the Bauhaus spirit of purposeful design. Guided tours offer access to player tunnels, stands, and the stadium museum. 

Completed in 1931 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014, the Van Nelle Factory (Van Nellefabriek) is a landmark of modern industrial architecture. Designed by Brinkman and Van der Vlugt, its glass-and-steel structure embodies the principles of the Nieuwe Bouwen movement—light, space, and transparency. Like its Bauhaus contemporaries, the building reflects a commitment to functional design with a social conscience. Guided tours of this architectural icon can be booked via the Chabot Museum.