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HAPPENING 11–12 OCT 2025 | A site-specific audiovisual performance will take over the city’s historic quarantine site this October. Foundscape Orchestra turns the former disinfection building into a sound-and-light installation that explores the voices of maritime heritage.
Photo credit: Jan van Dalen
An audio-visual installation in a historic building
On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, Sound Expedition Quarantine Site (Klankexpeditie Quarantaineterrein) will animate the former disinfection building (Ontsmettingsgebouw) at Rotterdam’s Quarantaineterrein. Sound artist Daniel Maalman uses self-built sound sculptures and the building itself as an instrument, creating an electronic music performance shaped by the site’s materials, acoustics and past.
Maalman describes the piece as an encounter between sound, space and heritage, where mechanical devices and the fabric of the structure generate a live composition.
The Quarantaineterrein is a rare surviving complex from Rotterdam’s port health history. Opening the site through performance offers a temporary way to experience an otherwise closed chapter of the city’s maritime story, connecting contemporary sound art with post-war and industrial heritage.
Programme and timings
From 15:00, audiences can explore the installation in progress and walk the site. Evening performances take place at 19:00, 20:00 and 21:00, with sets by Daniel Maalman, Jaap Mutter (Tojo) and Stijn Kuipers (This is not Rocket Science).
The work forms part of a broader itinerary across South Holland that highlights maritime heritage through contemporary practice.
Part of a wider heritage programme
The performance is included in the heritage spectacle (Erfgoedspektakel), a touring initiative that pairs cultural makers with significant buildings. The programme is supported by the Province of South Holland (Maritime Industry heritage line) and the VriendenLoterij, and is produced with heritage organisation BOEi.
Tickets and access
The Ontsmettingsgebouw is free to visit from 15:00 on both days. Evening shows require advance booking: €9.50, or €7.50 for VriendenLoterij participants. The performance is less suitable for children under ten.
About foundscape orchestra
Foundscape Orchestra is an experimental sound art project by Daniel Maalman. Using custom mechanical and electronic devices—ranging from pneumatic hammers to vibration motors—the walls, floors and structures of a location are played directly. Each performance is site-specific and unique.
Practical information
Dates: Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 October 2025
Day access: from 15:00 (installation in progress)
Evening shows: 19:00, 20:00, 21:00
Venue: Ontsmettingsgebouw, Quarantaineterrein (Quarantine Area)
Tickets & info: erfgoedspektakel.nl | foundscapeorchestra.com
Directions and area
Quarantaineterrein sits on the river in the port area at Quarantaineweg 1. The setting is industrial and open, with water views and limited amenities on site. It is reachable by bicycle or car, and by Watertaxi (Saturday until 01:00; Sunday until 00:00—advance booking advised).
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