What makes the Markthal in Rotterdam more than just a market? How does this architectural gem intertwine the past, present, and future of urban living? Discover the answers as we explore its iconic design, vibrant functionality, and historical significance.
A multifunctional landmark in Rotterdam
The Markthal in Rotterdam is much more than a striking building. It stands as a living testament to the ingenuity of modern architecture while serving as a hub of culture, commerce, and history. Designed by the Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, the Markthal opened on 1 October 2014 and quickly became one of the city’s defining landmarks. Its unique horseshoe shape frames a space where residents live above a thriving marketplace, a literal embodiment of blending life with commerce. As a city renowned for rebuilding itself after the devastation of World War II, Rotterdam’s commitment to innovation and culture shines brightly in the Markthal’s gleaming façade and bustling interior.
From the outside, its sleek grey stone and towering glass façades invite curiosity, while its inner world dazzles visitors with the larger-than-life artwork that adorns its ceiling. Yet, this is no mere feat of aesthetic design. Within its curves lies a carefully planned fusion of residential apartments, retail outlets, food stalls, and restaurants, all brought together to create a place that is both functional and inspiring. Whether you visit to admire its architecture, enjoy its culinary offerings, or discover its historical treasures, the Markthal invites exploration from every angle.
Markthal Rotterdam. Photo credit: Adrienne Wildeman
Architectural details of the Markthal’s design and structure
At first glance, the Markthal’s architecture is unforgettable. Its horseshoe design arches to a height of 40 metres and stretches 120 metres long, creating an imposing but elegant silhouette. This isn’t a structure that hides in the background; it announces itself confidently among Rotterdam’s other bold architectural statements, such as the Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge. Two immense glass façades bookend the horseshoe, measuring 42 by 34 metres each, and are crafted from steel cables suspending hundreds of smaller windows. These façades flood the interior with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The grey natural stone that clads the building’s exterior ensures it blends seamlessly with the city’s modern aesthetic. But it’s the glass that steals the show, offering a glimpse into the vibrant life within. When illuminated at night, the building transforms into a glowing beacon, inviting visitors to step inside and discover what lies beneath its magnificent arches. The glass panels also serve a practical purpose, shielding the interior from the elements while giving the space an open-air feel. The ingenuity of this design makes the Markthal an architectural marvel and a model of sustainability.
The Horn of Plenty ceiling artwork: creation and impact
The moment you step inside the Markthal, your eyes are drawn upward. Towering above the market stalls is the "Horn of Plenty" artwork, an 11,000-square-metre visual spectacle by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. This enormous digital mural is filled with larger-than-life depictions of fruits, vegetables, fish, and flowers, creating a vivid celebration of abundance. It is often called the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam for its breathtaking scale and intricate detail.
What’s truly remarkable is how this masterpiece was created. Using advanced 3D digital techniques, the artists worked with a 1.47-terabyte file—the kind of data size usually reserved for animated films. The final artwork was printed onto 4,000 perforated aluminium panels, which were then pieced together to form the colourful canopy. Beyond its beauty, the panels help absorb sound, demonstrating how art and functionality coexist within the Markthal. This ceiling isn’t just an artistic statement; it’s an immersive experience that turns a simple market visit into something extraordinary.
Markthal Rotterdam ceiling art
Features of the market hall and surrounding spaces
At its heart, the Markthal is a vibrant covered marketplace. With over 100 stalls offering everything from traditional Dutch cheeses to exotic international delicacies, it is a culinary destination that captures the diversity of Rotterdam itself. The layout is thoughtfully designed, ensuring that visitors can easily navigate between stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, and more. For those looking to sit and enjoy a meal, there are several restaurants offering views of the bustling market below.
But the Markthal doesn’t stop at food. It is also home to 4,600 square metres of retail space and a dedicated horeca (hotel, restaurant, and café) area. Above the market, 228 apartments curve along the building’s horseshoe shape, allowing residents to live literally at the centre of Rotterdam’s vibrant city life. For convenience, an underground parking garage with space for over 1,200 vehicles ensures that visitors from across the region can easily access the site.
Inside Markthal Rotterdam. Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode
Historical significance of the Markthal’s location
Beneath the gleaming exterior lies a deeper story. The site of the Markthal is rich in history, standing on the grounds of Rotterdam’s earliest settlement from the 13th century. During the construction of the building, archaeologists unearthed the remains of a 10th-century farm, revealing a glimpse of life in a village called Rotta, the precursor to modern-day Rotterdam. This discovery was a rare and valuable find, offering insights into the lives of the area’s first inhabitants.
To honour this heritage, the Markthal features an interactive exhibition called “The Time Stair.” Located within the stairwell of the parking garage, the display showcases artefacts uncovered during the excavation, such as pots, tools, and candleholders. Through touchscreens and detailed descriptions, visitors can explore the stories behind these relics. This thoughtful integration of history into a modern building ensures that the Markthal isn’t just a place of commerce but also a space for reflection and learning.
Sustainable and innovative features of the Markthal
The Markthal exemplifies sustainable urban development. By combining residential, commercial, and culinary spaces within a single structure, it maximises land use in a way that is both practical and environmentally friendly. Its central location encourages walking and the use of public transport, reducing the reliance on cars. Inside, the building incorporates energy-efficient features that enhance its environmental credentials.
Even the artwork serves a dual purpose. The perforated panels of the Horn of Plenty improve acoustics, ensuring that the market remains a pleasant space for visitors and residents alike. In the parking garage, modern amenities like electric vehicle charging stations underscore the building’s forward-thinking approach. The Markthal is not just a building; it is a blueprint for how cities can create vibrant, multi-use spaces that serve their communities sustainably.
The Markthal’s contribution to Rotterdam’s urban life
The Markthal is more than just a building; it is a microcosm of what makes Rotterdam special. From its bold architecture to its celebration of food, art, and history, it embodies the city’s spirit of innovation and resilience. It attracts millions of visitors each year, yet it remains a local treasure, cherished by residents as much as tourists.
This space invites us to imagine a future where cities are built not just to function but to inspire. As the Markthal continues to stand tall in the heart of Rotterdam, it reminds us that great architecture isn’t just about steel and stone; it’s about creating places where life happens.
