ROTTERDAM, 12 June 2025 – A six-week exhibition on Rotterdam’s music history has concluded at de Doelen Studio’s. The event invited visitors to explore 70 years of pop music in the city.
Exhibition Rotterdam Popstad concludes at de Doelen
The temporary exhibition Rotterdam Popstad has come to a close after a six-week run in de Doelen Studio’s. Organised by Popunie and based on the book of the same name (Rotterdam Popstad), the exhibition was hosted in Studio 2 | de Doelen Art from 1 May until Sunday 8 June 2025.
The launch event on 1 May featured a Q&A session with the book’s author, Remko van Bork, alongside performances by local artists MAIN. and D!T. This marked the beginning of an extended retrospective journey through Rotterdam’s diverse pop music history.
Over 700 visitors explored 70 years of local pop history
More than 700 people visited the exhibition, engaging with seven decades of the city’s pop culture — from nostalgic memorabilia to emerging acts and the origins of today’s music scene. The presentation shed light on the evolution of Rotterdam’s sound and its role in shaping the city’s cultural identity.
According to Martin Scheijgrond, director of Popunie, the response from visitors was positive and emotional. “It was very special. The exhibition brought back many memories, emotions and stories. People of all ages visibly enjoyed it,” he remarked.
Rotterdam Popstad exhibition at de Doelen ends after six weeks. Over 700 visitors explored 70 years of the city’s music history.
Uncertain future for the exhibition
In recent weeks, many visitors have enquired about a possible continuation or new locations for the exhibition. Addressing the question, Scheijgrond explained: “First we’ll sit with the empty nest feeling, evaluate, sell the remaining books, and then look ahead.”
While the next steps for the exhibition remain undecided, the organisers expressed appreciation for the attention and engagement received. For now, the focus shifts to the lasting impact of both the exhibition and the book.
About the book Rotterdam Popstad
Released in December 2024, Rotterdam Popstad is a 550-page volume that traces the evolution of pop music in the city, featuring 360 photographs and rare visuals. The book offers a detailed portrait of the city’s music culture, capturing key moments across more than 70 years.
Limited copies of the book remain available and can be ordered via the Popunie website: https://popunie.nl/rotterdam-popstad/
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