Bombing of Poems: 100,000 poems descend on Rotterdam

HAPPENING 14 May 2025 – Rotterdam will mark the 85th anniversary of the 1940 bombing with an unusual poetic tribute. At sunset, thousands of poems will descend upon the city centre as a symbolic gesture of peace and reflection.

Poems to fall from the sky above Binnenrotte on 14 May

On 14 May 2025, exactly 85 years after the devastating bombing of Rotterdam, a symbolic event titled Bombing of Poems will take place at sunset. Between 21:15 and 22:15, 100,000 printed poems will be released above the Binnenrotte, drifting down onto the heart of the city as a reflection on peace, memory, and cultural resilience.

The initiative, developed by the Chilean arts collective Casagrande, will be carried out in the Netherlands by Poetry International. Previous editions of the project were held in cities such as Berlin, Dubrovnik, Guernica, London, Milan, and Warsaw – all of which, like Rotterdam, have experienced aerial bombardments. According to the organisers, the event aims to transform public memory of violence into a space for art and contemplation.

Poems from Dutch and Chilean poets

A total of 100 poets have contributed to the project, split evenly between Dutch and Chilean authors. The poems will be printed on bookmark-sized slips of paper, each one featuring the original language and a translated version. Dutch poems will appear in both Dutch and Spanish, while Chilean works will be printed in Spanish and Dutch.

Through this bilingual and international approach, Poetry International seeks to underline the cross-cultural relevance of poetry and its potential to bridge linguistic and geographical divides.

Reflecting on Rotterdam’s history

The Binnenrotte – located in the historic centre of the city – was one of the areas most heavily damaged during the bombing on 14 May 1940. Following the war, the area was gradually reconstructed and now serves as a symbol of the city’s resilience and reinvention. For this reason, it has been chosen as the setting for Bombing of Poems, underscoring both remembrance and renewal.

Bombing of Poems: 100,000 poems descend on Binnenrotte

Event details

Date: Wednesday 14 May 2025 (with 15 or 16 May as backup dates in case of poor weather)
Time: 21:15–22:15
Admission: Free
Reservation: Not required but recommended via Poetry International’s website

Attendees who catch one of the falling poems or hold a reservation ticket may also access Museum Rotterdam’s exhibition on the 1940 bombing free of charge.

How to get to Binnenrotte

The Binnenrotte is located in the centre of Rotterdam, adjacent to Blaak station and within walking distance of major landmarks such as the Markthal and the Central Library. This wide, open square sits in what was once the medieval core of the city, making it a historically resonant site for the event. The area is well served by public transport and includes multiple tram, metro and train connections.