Liberation party at Museum Rotterdam during Museumnacht

HAPPENING 1 March 2025 – Museum Rotterdam marks 80 years of freedom during Museumnacht010. Visitors can dance to music from past and present while reflecting on the impact of war and liberation.

_{Image credit: Rotterdam City Archives (Stadsarchief Rotterdam), people dancing at the 1945 liberation celebration.}

Liberation party at Museum Rotterdam during Museumnacht

On Saturday, 1 March 2025, Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU will open its doors for a special Museumnacht010 event, dedicated to 80 years of freedom. The evening will immerse visitors in the atmosphere of post-war Rotterdam, celebrating the city's liberation with music, dance, and reflection.

Music and dancing: from 1945 to today

A live band will guide guests through different musical eras, from the jubilant sounds of post-war celebrations to contemporary party beats. Rotterdam-based DJ duo Non de Jus and Rita Lynn will play an uplifting mix of liberation anthems and energetic dance tracks, bringing the spirit of freedom to life on the dance floor.

Freedom messages and alcohol-free mocktails

Beyond dancing, visitors will have the chance to reflect on the meaning of freedom. They can leave a personal message about liberty in the museum or take it into the city to inspire others during their Museumnacht journey. To enhance the 1945 atmosphere, the museum will serve alcohol-free ‘freedom mocktails’ in tribute to the spontaneous celebrations of that time.

Reflecting on freedom and Rotterdam’s wartime past

The event will also offer moments of reflection. Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU’s permanent exhibition tells the story of Rotterdam during and after the Second World War, with personal accounts and historical artefacts. Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the city’s resilience and the significance of freedom, both then and now.

Museum Rotterdam and the future

Museum Rotterdam is currently working on developing a new city museum, a space dedicated to preserving and sharing Rotterdam’s heritage. Together with the municipality, efforts are underway to secure a permanent location for this project. Until then, the museum remains active through exhibitions, educational programmes, and city tours.

Location and accessibility

Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU is located in Coolhaven, an area well connected by public transport. The nearest metro station is Coolhaven, and the venue is easily accessible by bicycle or on foot from the city centre.