HAPPENING 12–14 FEB '27 | OBJECT Rotterdam is moving into another remarkable building for its 2027 edition. From 12 to 14 February, around 150 designers will present their latest creations inside C93, the former bank building at Coolsingel 93. The recently transformed Rotterdam landmark will open its doors to the general public for the first time, giving visitors a rare opportunity to explore its interiors and enjoy views over the city while discovering contemporary design.
After previous editions at the Central Library and AIR Offices, OBJECT continues its tradition of combining an international design fair with an unusual architectural setting. This time, visitors can explore a building that has been part of Rotterdam's city centre for nearly seventy years, but has undergone some remarkable changes along the way.
What is OBJECT Rotterdam?
OBJECT Rotterdam is an annual design fair bringing together established designers, emerging talents, independent labels, studios and galleries. Unlike conventional trade fairs, OBJECT takes place in a different landmark building each year, with the architecture becoming part of the experience.
The fair covers a broad range of creative disciplines, including furniture, lighting, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, graphic design and architecture. Some creations are functional, others are closer to contemporary art, and plenty fall somewhere in between.
One of the appealing aspects of OBJECT is that the designers are usually present themselves. Rather than simply admiring a piece of furniture or an unusual light installation, visitors can speak directly with the people who created it, hear about their inspiration and learn how the work was made.
Everything on display is also available for purchase, from relatively affordable objects to unique pieces aimed at serious collectors.
Do you run a business? RotterdamStyle is looking for a main sponsor. Get exclusive visibility across our website for a fixed fee. Interested? Contact us 🤝
OBJECT Rotterdam 2027 moves into C93
For the 2027 edition, OBJECT has selected C93, the former Bank voor Handel en Scheepvaart building on Coolsingel, directly opposite Rotterdam City Hall and close to the Koopgoot shopping area.
The building has recently undergone an extensive transformation into a modern, sustainable office complex. Although its exterior has long been a familiar sight in the city centre, the interior is generally inaccessible to the public.
During OBJECT, that changes. For three days, visitors will be able to explore the building while discovering contemporary designs displayed throughout its spacious, light-filled rooms.
The upper floors are expected to be a particular attraction, offering impressive views across Rotterdam's skyline.
According to OBJECT director Anne van der Zwaag, the relationship between the venue and the exhibited designs is an important part of what makes the fair distinctive. The architecture influences how visitors experience the work, while the installations offer new perspectives on the building itself.
For the 2027 edition, OBJECT has selected C93, the former Bank voor Handel en Scheepvaart building on Coolsingel, directly opposite Rotterdam City Hall and close to the Koopgoot shopping area.
A Rotterdam landmark with three architectural lives
The choice of C93 is particularly interesting for anyone with an interest in Rotterdam's architectural history.
The original Bank voor Handel en Scheepvaart building was completed in 1957, designed by architect A.A. van Nieuwenhuijzen. It was part of the wave of modern development that reshaped Rotterdam following the destruction of much of the city centre during the Second World War.
In 1993, architect Rob van Erk added an eighty-metre-high postmodern office tower above the original building. Its distinctive stepped glass façade introduced another architectural style to the Coolsingel skyline.
The Municipality of Rotterdam designated the building a municipal monument in 2024, recognising its architectural and historical significance.
More recently, Paul de Ruiter Architects has overseen another major transformation, preserving important features while adapting the complex for contemporary office use. The tower has been extended by twenty metres, and four reused oval architectural features, sometimes described as the building's 'eyes', now provide new views across the city.
The result combines several different periods of Rotterdam architecture within one building. For design enthusiasts, exploring C93 may be nearly as interesting as the objects being exhibited inside it.
Do you run a business? RotterdamStyle is looking for a main sponsor. Get exclusive visibility across our website for a fixed fee. Interested? Contact us 🤝
What to expect at OBJECT Rotterdam 2027
Approximately 150 designers are expected to participate in the 2027 edition, presenting work across a wide variety of disciplines and materials.
Visitors can expect furniture, lighting, ceramics, glasswork, textiles, jewellery and experimental design objects. Established names will appear alongside graduates and emerging designers, making OBJECT a good place to discover creative talent before it becomes widely known.
The event is deliberately accessible to different audiences. You do not need to be an interior designer or an art collector to enjoy wandering through the displays, discovering unusual objects or talking with the makers.
Some pieces are produced in limited editions, while others are individual artworks or functional designs intended for everyday use. Materials range from traditional wood, textiles and ceramics to unexpected recycled and industrial materials.
The full list of participating designers and studios for the 2027 edition will be announced by the organisers.
OBJECT Rotterdam | Atelier Yvette Visser
Why OBJECT keeps changing locations
Over the years, OBJECT Rotterdam has occupied some of the city's best-known buildings, including Las Palmas, De Rotterdam, the ss Rotterdam, the Euromast and the HAKA building.
More recently, the fair took over AIR Offices in the former V&D department store in 2025, followed by Rotterdam's Central Library in February 2026, shortly before the library's major renovation.
That changing setting is part of OBJECT's appeal. Rather than returning to the same exhibition hall each year, the fair offers visitors a reason to explore another part of Rotterdam's architectural heritage.
With C93, the organisers are once again combining two experiences: a curated showcase of contemporary design and an opportunity to discover the inside of a building that most people ordinarily only see from the street.
Do you run a business? RotterdamStyle is looking for a main sponsor. Get exclusive visibility across our website for a fixed fee. Interested? Contact us 🤝
OBJECT Rotterdam 2027: dates, tickets and opening hours
OBJECT Rotterdam 2027 takes place from Friday 12 February to Sunday 14 February 2027 at C93 on Coolsingel.
- Dates: 12–14 February 2027
- Opening hours: 11:00–18:00 daily
- Location: C93, Coolsingel 93, Rotterdam
- Admission: €17.50
- Children: Free admission for visitors under 16
- Tickets: Available online and at the door once ticket sales begin
For the latest programme announcements, participating designers and ticket information, visit the official OBJECT Rotterdam website.
How to get to C93
C93 is located at Coolsingel 93, in the heart of Rotterdam, directly opposite City Hall and the Koopgoot shopping area.
The venue is easy to reach by public transport. Metro station Stadhuis is a short walk away, while Beurs and Rotterdam Centraal provide additional connections. Visitors arriving by train at Rotterdam Centraal can also walk to C93 through the city centre.
Use the map below to locate the venue and plan your journey.
Whether you're looking for a distinctive piece for your home, curious about the latest developments in contemporary design or simply interested in seeing the inside of one of Rotterdam's most recognisable office buildings, OBJECT 2027 offers a good excuse to spend a February afternoon on Coolsingel.
-amazing-contemporary-art-001.jpg)
