Until +/- 14 December 2026 | A new exhibition at the Nieuwe Instituut invites children to explore their vision of the future. The 'Toekomstmakers!' exhibition, opening on 14 December, is designed for and by children.
Nieuwe instituut hosts 'toekomstmakers!' exhibition
The Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam’s national museum for architecture, design, and digital culture, will open its new exhibition, Toekomstmakers! (Future Makers), on Saturday, 14 December 2024. The exhibition, which occupies the entire third floor of the museum, aims to engage children in designing the future by encouraging hands-on creativity and exploration.
The exhibit focuses on empowering children to express their views of the future not as adults-to-be, but as the designers they already are. It challenges participants to address pressing issues such as climate change, inequality, and other global concerns while imagining positive changes.
Designed by and for children
A team of nine children, aged 8 to 12, worked alongside professionals to shape the exhibition. This core group, supported by input from 150 students from five Rotterdam primary schools, collaborated with design studio Opperclaes and the STORE Rotterdam collective. The children influenced all aspects of the project, including its themes, design, and promotional materials.
Aurélie, a nine-year-old participant, shared her excitement: “Creating this exhibition was amazing. I think other children should come because it teaches you how to collaborate and how beautiful things can be when you work together.” Another contributor, Ocean, added, “I hope people realise they need to help nature more and that adults don’t have to decide everything. Kids can do a lot themselves.”
What to expect at the exhibition
Visitors to Toekomstmakers! can expect an interactive experience. Highlights include designing an endless flag, collaborating with a “more-than-human being” in the Meer-dan-mens-machine, curating a magical menu in Restaurant de Helpende Hand, and imagining solutions as climate heroes of tomorrow. The overarching goal is to inspire critical thinking and action in shaping a better future.
Practical information
The Toekomstmakers! exhibition will remain open for at least two years. Entry is free for visitors up to 18 years of age. Additional information can be found on the Nieuwe Instituut website at nieuweinstituut.nl/projects/toekomstmakers.
Directions to the Nieuwe Instituut
The Nieuwe Instituut is centrally located in Museumpark, easily accessible by public transport, car, or bicycle. The area is home to several cultural attractions, making it a convenient destination for visitors exploring Rotterdam.
