Art & Design at Rotterdam Galleries

On Koningsveldestraat in Rotterdam-North, an old school has been transformed into a shared building where designers and artists have studios. In this beautiful building, photographer Lenny Oosterwijk set up his gallery, which he originally started from his living room: Gallery Untitled. Explore all four rooms full of colorful, contemporary work by mostly Dutch artists such as Laura Schurink, Carlijn Kingma, and the Rotterdam-based duo Wandschappen.

Since 1999, Galerie Vivid has been a key player in the world of art and design. It was one of the first places where design was presented as art. Dutch design heroes like Studio Job and Hella Jongerius, as well as international heavyweights like Jaime Hayon, showcased their groundbreaking exhibitions here. Even today, you’ll find pioneering work from both emerging and established designers at Vivid. The gallery is located in the city center on the ground floor of the Red Apple residential tower.

Between the Erasmus Bridge and Witte de Withstraat lies Baanhof, a former RET substation turned cultural hotspot. Behind its raw concrete walls and industrial character, the building houses an ever-changing mix of art and design. The gallery component, curated by interior designer Robert van Oosterom, blends contemporary works, design classics and experimental pieces in a living archive. Collaborations with artists such as Jeroen Koolhaas and Hidde van Schie create an evolving atmosphere where architecture, art and design continually interact.

In an old tannery in Rotterdam-West, De Huidenclub has settled: a group of artists, designers, and thinkers work together here on current social issues. Group exhibitions, dinners, and workshops are also held here. Among the residents are Supertoys Supertoys, a duo making a name for themselves with objects that are both artistic and functional, and designers like Sari Rikken, Carissa ten Teije, and Jonas Lutz.

Located in Katendrecht’s historic harbour district, Van Oosterom Gallery is a space dedicated to contemporary art and sculptural design. The gallery focuses on practices where material, process and intuition take centre stage. Four solo exhibitions each year present new work by emerging and established names. Past shows have included Audrey Large, Jonas Lutz, Odd Matter and Hidde van Schie. In addition to its exhibitions, the gallery maintains a significant depot collection and actively contributes to Rotterdam’s contemporary art dialogue.

Driven by her passion for modern art and photography, Muriel Jager founded Contour Gallery in Rotterdam's Oude Westen district. She represents artists who work sculpturally, such as Elsemarijn Bruys, Petra Laaper, and Dan Lam, as well as photographers like Margriet Smulders, Lars van den Brink, and Samantha Everton. Jager gives her artists space to express themselves, with the gallery merely sketching the contours of their work.

Garage Rotterdam is an exhibition space for contemporary art in the center of Rotterdam. During the year there are four high-quality exhibitions of artists from home and abroad. Each exhibition is thematic in nature and is curated by different curators. In addition to the exhibitions, there is also a substantive program with lectures, conversations, music and other performances. Why the name? It’s called The Garage because it’s situated in the heart of Rotterdam in a former Volkswagen garage. In 2011, this garage was converted into a spacious non-profit art space with a coffee bar.

Frank Taal Gallery is a leading modern art gallery in Rotterdam, founded by Frank Taal and Hans Franke. The gallery showcases contemporary art by both local and international artists, fostering an environment that values openness and new connections. With a strong focus on quality, the conceptual depth of the artwork, and craftsmanship, the gallery collaborates with artists who tell thought-provoking and inspiring stories. These narratives can be raw and edgy, harmonious, or filled with dynamic contrasts, offering a diverse and stimulating artistic experience.

It's more of a gift shop, but 'Love Rotterdam. Gifts, Food & More,' located in the central hall of Rotterdam Central Station, offers a beautiful selection of local products and design. You’ll find typical Rotterdam items such as Rotterdamsche Oude cheese, Maasstroompjes, and locally brewed beer from Kaapse Brouwers. There are also practical and stylish products available, including Doppers and glasses engraved with the Rotterdam skyline, as well as the popular Rotterdam socks. For design enthusiasts, there’s plenty of choice, with iconic, colorful bags from Rotterdam designer Susan Bijl.