HAPPENING 13–15 June 2025 | Rotterdam welcomes celebrated poets from around the world for a multi-day festival of readings, performances and conversations.
Poetry summit to be hosted at LantarenVenster during festival’s 55th edition
Rotterdam will once again become a hub for poetry lovers as the Poetry International Festival marks its 55th anniversary with a newly introduced component: the Poetry Summit. The summit, curated in collaboration with Dutch Poet Laureate Babs Gons (Dichter des Vaderlands), will bring together poets laureate and established names from a wide range of countries.
Participants will include writers who have been recognised nationally and internationally for their contributions to poetry. Throughout the festival, attendees will have access to poetry readings, lectures, interviews, debates and live performances. In addition, multiple workshops will be offered for those interested in learning more about the art and craft of poetry.
Poetry International opens with Conny Janssen
The 55th edition of the Poetry International Festival will begin on Thursday 12 June at Theater Zuidplein with a performance combining poetry and contemporary dance. This year’s opening programme is the result of a one-time collaboration between Poetry International and the Rotterdam-based dance company Conny Janssen Danst.
As part of a longstanding tradition, the festival has again commissioned an artist to create a unique production inspired by the festival’s theme. For this anniversary year, choreographer Conny Janssen has developed a special piece that unites the festival’s international poets with dancers from her company in a theatrical setting centred around the theme Laureates and Legends.
A declaration for future generations of poets
A central feature of the event will be the unveiling of the 'Declaration of future poetry generations' (Verklaring voor toekomstige generaties dichters). The document, which will be created and presented during the festival, aims to emphasise the importance of poetry and safeguard its future relevance and accessibility for generations to come.
International line-up of featured poets
The list of participating poets includes names from countries such as Ghana, Haiti, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Featured guests include Chris Tse (New Zealand), Patricia Jabbeh Wesley (Liberia), Simon Armitage (United Kingdom), Warsan Shire (Kenya), and Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer (Netherlands), among others. Their presence underscores the international scope of the event and its commitment to cross-cultural dialogue through literature.
Event programme and tickets
Programme highlights include main readings by Chris Tse, Jean D’Amérique and Momtaza Mehri, along with workshops such as Transforming Wounds by Warsan Shire. Events will take place primarily at LantarenVenster from 13 to 15 June 2025. The venue will also host open foyer activities, which can be visited without a ticket.
Tickets are available exclusively online. Prices are as follows:
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Day tickets: €27.50 (Friday and Sunday), €35 (Saturday)
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Passe-partout (weekend pass): €77.50
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Opening night (Thursday): €22.50 (not included in passe-partout)
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Workshops: €27.50 each
Discounts are available for students and RotterdamPas holders. Tickets are non-refundable, but may be resold via Ticketswap.
Festival venues
LantarenVenster
Otto Reuchlinweg 996
3072 MD Rotterdam
Wilhelminapier
LantarenVenster is easily accessible by public transport, car, bike, water taxi and on foot. Paid parking is available in nearby garages and lots.
Other participating venues include:
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Verhalenhuis Belvédère, Rechthuislaan 1, 3072 LB Rotterdam
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Theater Zuidplein, Gooilandsingel 95, 3083 DP Rotterdam
Each location can be reached by metro, tram or bus from Rotterdam city centre.
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