Top Museums and Art Spaces in Rotterdam

A shimmering icon on the Rotterdam skyline, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen gives visitors access to their full art collection. Wander among 155,000 objects, from Bruegel’s Tower of Babel to bold sculptural work by Atelier Van Lieshout. Designed by MVRDV, the 40-meter-high reflective building itself is a work of art and offers one of the best rooftop views in the city. 

Step into immersive galleries of Fenix, where themes of departure, homecoming and identity come alive. Climb the signature Tornado spiral for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city and harbour. It’s the perfect mix of architecture, emotion and art, then wander over to the cosy cafés on Deliplein to continue the conversation.

At the edge of Museumpark stands the Kunsthal Rotterdam, a striking building by Rem Koolhaas that’s just as bold as the exhibitions inside. You’ll always find several shows on at once, from fashion and photography to experimental design. Until 1 March 2026, Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses pays tribute to the Dutch fashion visionary, showcasing one hundred iconic creations that push the boundaries of haute couture.

Housed in a former girls’ school on Rotterdam’s Witte de Withstraat, Kunstinstituut Melly focuses on contemporary art with a critical edge. Exhibitions spotlight new work by international artists tackling timely themes. Don’t miss MELLY on the ground floor, a space that’s part bookstore, café, and cultural hangout. 

The Maritime Museum Rotterdam reveals how the maritime world shapes our everyday lives. With more than a million objects, including the 15th-century Mataró model, it spans six centuries of seafaring history. Step outside to explore historic ships and cranes, and stop by the Port Pavilion for up-to-date insights into the modern port of Rotterdam. 

Step into May 1940 at Museum Rotterdam ‘40–’45 NU. With firsthand stories, archival footage, and a gallery of personal artifacts, this museum offers a moving look at the Rotterdam Blitz. In front of the building, The Shadow, a concrete airplane by Onno Poiesz, serves as a powerful outdoor memorial. 

The Nederlands Fotomuseum is the national museum of photography, home to a collection of over 6.5 million photographic works. From iconic images by Ed van der Elsken to the raw, documentary photography of Cas Oorthuys, the museum brings together both established names and emerging Dutch talent.

The collection spans the full history of the medium, from its origins in the 19th century to the present day. You’ll find the museum in the historic Pakhuis Santos building in Katendrecht, within walking distance of Fenix.

Nieuwe Instituut, the national museum for architecture, design, and digital culture, offers inspiring exhibitions, a bookstore, and a lovely terrace by the water. The building itself is a modern landmark. Nearby, you can also visit Huis Sonneveld, a 1930s model home built in the functional style of Dutch modernism. 

Discover the Port of Rotterdam at Portlantis, one of the city’s most forward-thinking attractions. Set inside a striking building designed by MVRDV, this interactive experience explores the world of container ships, prehistoric fossils, and the future of energy. Round off your visit with a harbor cruise or a walk along the nearby beach.

The Wereldmuseum Rotterdam offers a unique view of human culture and history through exhibitions exploring themes like migration, mobility, and globalization. The mix of historical and contemporary perspectives reflects Rotterdam’s global character. Just across from the museum you can take the Waterbus for a scenic route to Kinderdijk and beyond.