Your Guide to the Top 10 Museums in Rotterdam

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is the first publicly accessible art storage facility in the world, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a vast museum collection. It gives visitors access to the full art collection, over 154,000 objects normally hidden from view. Step into a space where conservation and restoration are part of the experience. Watch restorers at work and end your visit on the rooftop, where you can grab a coffee or a meal and enjoy panoramic views of Rotterdam. 

A striking new art museum where migration stories take centre stage. Housed in a beautifully converted warehouse, Fenix blends art, history and personal narratives into thought-provoking exhibitions. The highlight? The Tornado staircase, spiralling up to a rooftop terrace with sweeping views over Rotterdam’s port. Round off your visit with a drink on the vibrant Deliplein or grab a gelato at Granucci.

The Kunsthal is Rotterdam’s go-to spot for surprising exhibitions. Designed by OMA/Rem Koolhaas, this architectural gem hosts multiple shows at once, ranging from photography and fashion to experimental design. It’s a must-see for art lovers looking for something unexpected. 

Kunstinstituut Melly, located on Witte de Withstraat, is a leading platform for contemporary art. International artists present bold new work that often pushes boundaries. Expect thought-provoking exhibitions and public conversations. Tip: pair your visit with a colorful meal at nearby Bazar. 

At the Maritime Museum on the Leuvehaven, dive into the world of shipping, trade, and port life. From ancient maps to futuristic vessels, the collection is vast. Outside, explore the Netherlands’ oldest museum harbor with its historic ships and working cranes. Be sure to visit Port Pavilion in the adjacent Leuvepavilion for more harbor insights. 

Museum Rotterdam ‘40–’45 NU takes you into the heart of wartime Rotterdam. Through personal stories, photos, and objects, the museum brings history to life. A large touchscreen table lets you experience the events of May 14, 1940. Outside stands The Shadow, a concrete airplane sculpture by Onno Poiesz, commemorating the city’s destruction. 

The Nederlands Fotomuseum is the national center for photography, with a collection of over 5.5 million images. From the timeless work of Henri Cartier-Bresson to the raw storytelling of Nan Goldin, the exhibitions are powerful and thought-provoking. In early 2026, the museum will reopen in the historic Pakhuis Santos warehouse in Katendrecht, just a short walk from Fenix and Deliplein.

The Nieuwe Instituut is the national museum of architecture, design, and digital culture. Its exhibitions connect contemporary issues to the vast National Collection for Dutch Architectur, one of the largest in the world. Round off your visit with a tour of Huis Sonneveld, a perfectly preserved Bauhaus-style home from 1933. 

At Portlantis, technology, nature, and logistics come together to bring Europe’s largest port to life. This interactive visitor center on Maasvlakte 2 showcases everything from prehistoric fossils to modern shipping. The futuristic, MVRDV-designed, building features a rooftop terrace with sea views.  

The Wereldmuseum Rotterdam offers a compelling look at world cultures and their interconnectedness. Its collection spans thousands of objects from every corner of the world, from Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. Exhibitions place these objects in the context of migration, identity, and cultural exchange. Afterwards, stroll through the nearby Veerhaven, an atmospheric harbor with skyline views.