Portlantis, Rotterdam's interactive port experience centre, offers visitors an engaging insight into one of the world's largest ports. Situated at Maasvlakte 2, the centre combines education and entertainment to showcase the significance of the Port of Rotterdam.
Portlantis: Rotterdam’s port experience centre
Portlantis serves as the primary visitor centre for the Port of Rotterdam, replacing the former FutureLand centre. Located near the Maasvlakte 2 beach at the end of Prinses Amaliahaven, the centre provides an educational experience that highlights the port’s crucial role in global trade, sustainability efforts, and technological innovation.
The facility offers an interactive experience designed to appeal to tourists, students, and business visitors. Through immersive exhibits, digital displays, and guided tours, guests can explore the complexity of port operations and Rotterdam’s role as a major maritime hub.
A closer look at the Portlantis experience
Portlantis features a range of interactive exhibits designed to make complex logistics and port activities accessible to visitors of all ages. Digital displays, models, and audiovisual installations illustrate key themes such as shipping routes, energy transitions, and environmental sustainability.
The experience is structured to engage multiple audiences:
- For families and tourists: Interactive exhibits offer hands-on insights into container shipping, port security, and trade routes.
- For students and educators: The Educational Information Centre Mainport Rotterdam (EIC) hosts educational programmes for schools, showcasing maritime career opportunities and the port's economic significance.
- For business professionals: Portlantis offers conference facilities and meeting rooms for industry gatherings, presentations, and networking events.
Image: Portlantis Rotterdam | Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode
Architectural design and features
Portlantis was designed by Rotterdam-based architectural firm MVRDV, known for projects such as De Markthal and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. The building’s striking design reflects both Rotterdam’s maritime identity and its innovative architectural spirit.
The five-storey structure is defined by a series of rotated exhibition spaces stacked in a way that offers distinct perspectives of the surrounding landscape. Each level faces a different view — from the Maasvlakte dunes to the North Sea and the industrial skyline — giving visitors a dynamic visual experience.
A standout feature is the crimson-red public route, a bold staircase that spirals around the building, leading visitors to a rooftop platform that offers panoramic views of the bustling port.
Inside, the 22-metre-high central atrium acts as an exhibition space, featuring a mirrored ceiling that amplifies the feeling of height. A kinetic sculpture suspended from the ceiling serves as the atrium’s centrepiece, reinforcing the dynamic nature of the space.
Sustainability in design
Portlantis was designed with sustainability in mind. The building is demountable, allowing for future reuse if needed. It features energy-efficient systems and on-site renewable energy generation, producing 30% more energy than it consumes thanks to an integrated wind turbine. These eco-conscious features align with the Port of Rotterdam’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Image: Portlantis Rotterdam | Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode
Educational focus and outreach
Portlantis is home to the Educational Information Centre Mainport Rotterdam (EIC), which plays a vital role in educating young people about the port’s operations. School groups can participate in workshops, guided tours, and interactive learning sessions designed to highlight career opportunities in maritime industries.
The centre collaborates with educational institutions and industry partners to foster interest in fields such as logistics, engineering, and sustainable development.
Visiting Portlantis
Portlantis is open to the public throughout the year, with options for guided tours, educational programmes, and self-paced visits. The location near Maasvlakte 2 beach makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the western edge of Rotterdam’s port area.
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