Rotterdam’s museums offer a rich journey through art, history, and global culture. Whether you’re a fan of maritime tales or contemporary exhibitions, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city.
Rotterdam is a city renowned for its cutting-edge architecture and vibrant cultural scene. But beyond its striking skyline, the city offers a host of world-class museums covering everything from classic art to contemporary design. Here’s an updated look at the top 10 museums to visit in Rotterdam.
1. Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen
Address: Museumpark 18, 3015 CX Rotterdam, Netherlands
Website: Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is an architectural marvel and the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility. With the main Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen closed until 2029 for renovations, the Depot has become a major attraction, allowing visitors to explore art in a unique, non-traditional gallery setting. Expect to see a diverse collection ranging from medieval masterpieces to contemporary works.
Why Go: The chance to see behind the scenes of art preservation and explore works not typically on public display.
2. Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Address: Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam, Netherlands
Website: Maritime Museum Rotterdam
The Maritime Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Rotterdam’s rich seafaring history. With over 850,000 maritime objects and a harbour featuring historic vessels, this museum dives into the city’s close relationship with the sea and its global influence.
Highlight: The interactive exhibits and children’s sections make this a great option for families and maritime enthusiasts alike.
3. Kunsthal Rotterdam
Address: Westzeedijk 341, 3016 CD Rotterdam, Netherlands
Website: Kunsthal Rotterdam
Kunsthal Rotterdam
Kunsthal Rotterdam is an avant-garde exhibition space known for its constantly changing exhibitions that span art, culture, fashion, and photography. Designed by the renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, Kunsthal is a place to experience the latest in contemporary art and culture. There’s always something new to see, from high-profile retrospectives to themed exhibitions.
Tip: Kunsthal’s displays change often, so each visit can offer a completely new experience.
4. Wereldmuseum Rotterdam
Address: Willemskade 25, 3016 DM Rotterdam, Netherlands
Website: Wereldmuseum Rotterdam
Wereldmuseum Rotterdam. Photo credit: F. Eveleens
Celebrating cultural diversity, Wereldmuseum features an impressive collection of artefacts from across the globe, with a focus on Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Through its exhibitions, the museum explores the impact of globalisation and the connections between cultures.
Worth Seeing: The Wereldmuseum’s immersive exhibits promote a deep understanding of world cultures, making it an enlightening experience for visitors.
5. Natural History Museum Rotterdam (Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam)
Address: Westzeedijk 345, 3015 AA Rotterdam, Netherlands
Website: Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum Rotterdam. Villa Dijkzicht. Photo credit: Wikifrits
For a peek into the natural world, the Natural History Museum Rotterdam offers fascinating displays on biodiversity, evolution, and the environment. Highlights include dinosaur skeletons, animal specimens, and the infamous “Dead Animal Tales” exhibit, showcasing unusual encounters between wildlife and urban life in Rotterdam.
Good for Families: Although compact, the museum’s engaging displays make it suitable for all ages, especially those interested in biology and ecology.
6. Museum Rotterdam '40-'45 NU
Address: Rodezand 26, 3011 AN Rotterdam, Netherlands
Website: Museum Rotterdam
Museum Rotterdam '40-'45 NU. Photo credit: Marcel Douwe Dekker
Museum Rotterdam celebrates the city’s identity, resilience, and history, from its medieval roots to its modern transformation. With multimedia displays and historical artefacts, the museum tells Rotterdam’s story, focusing on themes like the wartime devastation, post-war reconstruction, and the city’s thriving, diverse present.
Must-See: The sections dedicated to Rotterdam’s post-war rebuilding efforts provide insight into the city’s modern architectural boom.
7. Chabot Museum
Address: Museumpark 11, 3015 CB Rotterdam, Netherlands
Website: Chabot Museum
Chabot Museum Rotterdam. Photo credit: Wikifrits
Set in a beautiful villa near Museumpark, the Chabot Museum is dedicated to Dutch expressionist painter and sculptor Hendrik Chabot. Known for his emotive works, Chabot’s art touches on themes of suffering and resilience. The museum’s intimate setting makes it an ideal place to appreciate his life’s work.
Architectural Bonus: The building is a stunning example of New Objectivity architecture from the 1930s, adding an architectural appeal to the visit.
8. Dutch Photography Museum (Nederlands Fotomuseum)
Address: Wilhelminakade 332, 3072 AR Rotterdam, Netherlands
Website: Nederlands Fotomuseum
Dutch Photography Museum. Photo credit: Marco Zanferrari from Doha, Qatar
The Dutch Photography Museum is a haven for photography lovers, boasting a vast archive of historical and contemporary images. The museum’s rotating exhibitions showcase photography across genres, celebrating the power of visual storytelling.
Highlight: With a collection of over 5 million photographs, the museum offers something new and thought-provoking with each visit.
9. New Institute (Het Nieuwe Instituut)
Address: Museumpark 25, 3015 CB Rotterdam, Netherlands
Website: Het Nieuwe Instituut
New Institute (Het Nieuwe Instituut). Photo credit: MonkeyPod
As the national institute for architecture, design, and digital culture, Het Nieuwe Instituut is where art meets innovation. Exhibitions here cover themes like sustainability, urban design, and technology, appealing to anyone interested in the future of design and urban living.
Pro Tip: Take a moment to visit the rooftop garden, which offers a peaceful escape and a unique perspective on green urban spaces.
10. Sonneveld House (Huis Sonneveld)
Address: Jongkindstraat 12, 3015 CG Rotterdam, Netherlands
Website: Huis Sonneveld
Sonneveld House (Huis Sonneveld). Photo credit: Wikifrits
Sonneveld House offers a unique experience for visitors interested in architecture and interior design. Built in the early 1930s, this house is one of the best-preserved examples of Dutch functionalist architecture. It was designed by architects Brinkman & Van der Vlugt, who also designed the iconic Van Nelle Factory. Visitors can explore the house as it was originally intended, with furnishings and decor that reflect the modernist ideals of the time.
Why Visit?: The house is a time capsule of early 20th-century modernist design, providing insight into the architectural and social ideals of the era.
Make the most of Rotterdam’s museum scene
Rotterdam’s museums span a fascinating range of themes and perspectives, offering something for every visitor. To make the most of your museum tour, here are a few tips:
- Check Opening Hours: Some museums may close on certain days or have limited hours, so plan ahead to avoid missing out.
- Book Tickets Online: Many museums offer online ticketing, which can save time and secure your entry to popular exhibitions.
- Plan Your Route: With several museums clustered around the Museumpark area, it’s easy to visit multiple spots in one day, but leave enough time to enjoy each fully.
Discover Rotterdam’s cultural side
From historical treasures and contemporary art to urban design and global culture, Rotterdam’s museums reflect the city’s dynamic spirit and diverse heritage. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these institutions offer the perfect way to delve into Rotterdam’s fascinating cultural landscape.
