ROTTERDAM, 7 July 2025 – Rotterdam’s newest public experience was launched in bright colour and high spirits at the foot of the Euromast. The opening drew a diverse crowd and marked a moment of shared pride in the city’s identity.

Grand opening of 'The Rise of Rotterdam' celebrated at the Euromast

The official opening of The Rise of Rotterdam was marked by a festive gathering on 7 July at the Euromast. The event drew more than 100 invited guests, including partners, press, artists and other stakeholders from across the city’s cultural spectrum.

Held on the lawn beneath the Euromast, the opening featured music, dance, spoken word and a series of visual statements. Attendees were greeted by bright parasols, summer colours, and a sense of collective anticipation.

Leonie Staat, director of the Euromast, welcomed the guests with a short address. “Rotterdam has always risen – in character, in strength, in energy,” she said, before inviting guests to reflect on the city’s journey and future.

Rotterdam gathered at the Euromast for the colourful launch of The Rise of Rotterdam, a new city experience now open to the public.

Rotterdam gathered at the Euromast for the colourful launch of The Rise of Rotterdam, a new city experience now open to the public.

Smoke, sound and spoken word

The ceremony’s highlight came when a large red button was pressed to symbolise the launch of the experience. In response, a coordinated smoke show erupted behind the Euromast, releasing plumes of colour into the sky. The rainbow display visually underscored the day’s message of unity, visibility and transformation.

Spoken word artist Amara Gabriëla delivered a performance centred on belonging, identity and the layered experiences that shape the city. Music and dance acts contributed to the festive mood, while food and drinks were served throughout the afternoon.

The audience, representing a mix of generations and backgrounds, applauded the moment with enthusiasm. “It felt like something really new had been given to the city,” one attendee remarked. “It was not just about seeing something, but being part of it.”

Rotterdam gathered at the Euromast for the colourful launch of The Rise of Rotterdam, a new city experience now open to the public.

City lit up as part of #samenkleurenwedestad

The opening also kicked off a citywide campaign titled #samenkleurenwedestad (together we colour the city). As part of this initiative, several of Rotterdam’s landmarks were illuminated in bold colours.

On 3 and 4 July, buildings including the Zalmhaventoren, the Erasmus MC tower and the SS Rotterdam were lit in synchronised shades. The Euromast itself and the KPN LED-wall will continue to be lit throughout the launch week. The lighting initiative aims to reflect the city’s collective energy, resilience and openness.

How to get there

The Euromast is situated in Het Park, close to the Maas and a short walk from tram lines 8 and 23. The location is accessible by bike, public transport, or car, with parking available in the immediate area.

ROTTERDAM, 18 June 2025 – A symbolic barrel of herring was presented to Huib Lloyd during the 30th edition of the Rotterdamse Haringparty, marking both the event’s anniversary and Lloyd’s work with children growing up in poverty. The uniquely decorated barrel was created by local artist Tymon de Laat.

Haringparty honours charity founder with painted herring barrel

The 30th edition of the annual Rotterdamse Haringparty took place in the garden of the Bilderberg Parkhotel. A highlight of the event was the ceremonial presentation of the first barrel of herring (haringvaatje), traditionally decorated by a local artist. This year’s painted barrel was created by Rotterdam-based artist Tymon de Laat and awarded to Huib Lloyd, founder and director of Stichting Jarige Job.

Originally from Rotterdam, Huib Lloyd established Stichting Jarige Job ("Birthday Job Foundation") in response to the quiet but widespread problem of birthday poverty in the Netherlands. The organisation provides birthday boxes to families who cannot afford to celebrate their children’s birthdays. Each box contains cake mix, decorations, small gifts, and party supplies—everything a child needs to feel celebrated on their special day.

Over the past 15 years, the foundation has supported hundreds of thousands of children across the country, helping to reduce the social exclusion that poverty can bring. Lloyd’s work has gained recognition for bringing attention to a hidden but pressing issue in Dutch society.

Clarissa Slingerland, owner of PR agency MissPublicity and co-organiser of the Haringparty, remarked: “With his passion for children’s well-being and his determination to make a difference, Huib Lloyd deserves this special recognition.”

Artistic tribute by Tymon de Laat

To mark the occasion, artist Tymon de Laat transformed the herring barrel into a colourful artwork. Known for his distinctive portrait murals around the city, De Laat described the design as a personal homage to his early work in Rotterdam.

“I created a remake of my first major portrait mural in Rotterdam – a significant moment that signalled the beginning of a new phase in my international career,” said De Laat.

His contribution brought an artistic flourish to the event, aligning with the Haringparty’s tradition of combining culture with social engagement.

Huib Lloyd of Stichting Jarige Job receives art barrel at 30th Rotterdam Haringparty for his work supporting children in poverty across the Netherlands.

A gathering of Rotterdammers from all walks of life

Hosted annually by the Bilderberg Parkhotel in partnership with MissPublicity, Koninklijke Schmidt Zeevis, and Audi Centrum Rotterdam, the Rotterdamse Haringparty is a longstanding networking event where business leaders, cultural figures, creatives, and other locals gather to mark the arrival of the Hollandse Nieuwe (new season herring).

The 2025 edition coincided with the recent opening of the Parkhotel’s French-inspired bistro. Guests enjoyed a selection of dishes from the new menu alongside traditional herring, served in a relaxed and festive garden setting. MiP rosé (Made in Provence) was poured from magnums to accompany the summer fare.

Erik de Wit, director of the Parkhotel, noted: “We give the Haringparty a new theme every year, introducing new initiatives and collaborations. This year, the French bistro served as our inspiration.”

Bilderberg Parkhotel

The Haringparty took place in the inner garden of the Bilderberg Parkhotel, located on Westersingel. The area, nestled in the heart of Rotterdam, is surrounded by cultural institutions, boutique shops, and green spaces. Easily accessible by public transport and a short walk from Rotterdam Centraal Station.

ROTTERDAM, 26 June 2025 – The Marcussen organ in the Laurenskerk has played its final notes after 52 years. A full restoration will now begin as part of a broader innovation project.

_{Image: In a light-hearted moment, “Firma Joop Sloop” — played by Joris Lutz — removed the first organ pipe and handed it to Wubbo Tempel, chairman of the Laurenskerk Foundation, and organist Hayo Boerema. Photo: ANP Business/Frank de Roo}

Laurenskerk organ begins two-year restoration

The Marcussen main organ in Rotterdam’s Laurenskerk was heard for the last time on Wednesday evening, 26 June 2025. In front of an audience of hundreds, titular organist Hayo Boerema performed a farewell concert marking the end of over five decades of continuous use.

Following the final chord, the first pipe was ceremoniously removed. This symbolic act was performed by performer and presenter Joris Lutz, appearing as “Firma Joop Sloop”. The pipe was then handed over to Wubbo Tempel, chairman of the Laurenskerk Foundation (Stichting Laurenskerk), and organist Hayo Boerema.

The 23-metre-high organ, installed in 1973, consists of approximately 7,600 pipes and has accumulated over 50,000 hours of use. It is now scheduled for an extensive two-year restoration.

Cleaning, repair and technical upgrades

During the restoration, each of the pipes and mechanical components will be cleaned, polished and repaired or replaced where necessary. The outer appearance of the instrument will remain intact, but key technical updates will be implemented. The organ will become electrically controllable and playable via a mobile console.

Reflecting on the moment, Hayo Boerema remarked: “It feels a bit like saying goodbye. But to be honest, the organ was really on its last legs and had been faltering a bit too often lately. It will be tough to go two years without our main organ, but it’s all worth it.”

Laurenskerk prepares for the future with hyperorgan

The restoration forms part of a wider initiative titled Hyperorgel Rotterdam, aimed at reimagining the future of organ music in the city. Alongside the refurbishment, a digitally playable pipe organ – referred to as a “hyperorgan” – will be constructed in the choir section of the Laurenskerk.

This new instrument is designed to serve a wider range of musicians beyond traditional organists. It is intended to produce sounds suitable for contemporary genres and cross-disciplinary performances. “We are also creating organ programmes for new audiences,” said Elles van Vegchel, director of the Laurenskerk. “We connect contemporary artists and composers from all genres to the organ – from hip-hop to techno to jazz. This results in new repertoire and attracts new listeners. We look forward to the moment the hyperorgan is introduced in the Laurenskerk.”

Directions to Laurenskerk

The Laurenskerk is located in the heart of Rotterdam, within walking distance of Blaak station and the Markthal. The area is easily accessible by metro, tram and bus, and there are several car parks nearby.

ROTTERDAM, 12 June 2025 – A six-week exhibition on Rotterdam’s music history has concluded at de Doelen Studio’s. The event invited visitors to explore 70 years of pop music in the city.

Exhibition Rotterdam Popstad concludes at de Doelen

The temporary exhibition Rotterdam Popstad has come to a close after a six-week run in de Doelen Studio’s. Organised by Popunie and based on the book of the same name (Rotterdam Popstad), the exhibition was hosted in Studio 2 | de Doelen Art from 1 May until Sunday 8 June 2025.

The launch event on 1 May featured a Q&A session with the book’s author, Remko van Bork, alongside performances by local artists MAIN. and D!T. This marked the beginning of an extended retrospective journey through Rotterdam’s diverse pop music history.

Over 700 visitors explored 70 years of local pop history

More than 700 people visited the exhibition, engaging with seven decades of the city’s pop culture — from nostalgic memorabilia to emerging acts and the origins of today’s music scene. The presentation shed light on the evolution of Rotterdam’s sound and its role in shaping the city’s cultural identity.

According to Martin Scheijgrond, director of Popunie, the response from visitors was positive and emotional. “It was very special. The exhibition brought back many memories, emotions and stories. People of all ages visibly enjoyed it,” he remarked.

Rotterdam Popstad exhibition at de Doelen ends after six weeks. Over 700 visitors explored 70 years of the city’s music history.

Uncertain future for the exhibition

In recent weeks, many visitors have enquired about a possible continuation or new locations for the exhibition. Addressing the question, Scheijgrond explained: “First we’ll sit with the empty nest feeling, evaluate, sell the remaining books, and then look ahead.”

While the next steps for the exhibition remain undecided, the organisers expressed appreciation for the attention and engagement received. For now, the focus shifts to the lasting impact of both the exhibition and the book.

About the book Rotterdam Popstad

Released in December 2024, Rotterdam Popstad is a 550-page volume that traces the evolution of pop music in the city, featuring 360 photographs and rare visuals. The book offers a detailed portrait of the city’s music culture, capturing key moments across more than 70 years.

Limited copies of the book remain available and can be ordered via the Popunie website: https://popunie.nl/rotterdam-popstad/