ROTTERDAM, 10 January 2025 — The Nieuwe Instituut’s 2025 programme promises a dynamic year of exhibitions, international events, and Rotterdam-centric cultural initiatives. From explorations of global architectural icons to Rotterdam’s first design biennale, the museum offers a robust mix of events for residents and visitors alike.
A year of exhibitions at the Nieuwe Instituut
The Nieuwe Instituut’s 2025 programme highlights architecture, design, and digital culture, with both new and ongoing exhibitions. In May, an exhibition centred on the work of Chinese architect Ma Yansong will open. Ma, renowned for his innovative designs blending nature, emotion, and architecture, is also the creator of the striking rooftop tornado feature on Rotterdam’s Fenix Museum of Migration, set to open the same month. The exhibition will explore his studio MAD Architects’ critical response to modernism and how their work reflects traditional Chinese influences.
Later in the year, FUNGI: Anarchist Designers will challenge conventional perspectives on fungi. Rather than focusing on their value as resources for food or materials, the exhibition presents fungi as disruptors of societal norms, created through collaborations between artists and scientists. Curators Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing and Feifei Zhou invite visitors to reconsider fungi as catalysts for ecological and cultural dialogue.
For those interested in gardens and sustainability, the ongoing exhibition Tuinen van de Toekomst (Gardens of the Future) remains open until April. This presentation examines gardens as experimental spaces addressing climate change, biodiversity, and social justice through the work of renowned designers and artists. Additionally, the long-running Dutch, More or Less exhibition continues, showcasing over 70 installations, models, and designs by Dutch architects and designers, including Viktor&Rolf, MVRDV, and Hella Jongerius.
In June, the 20th edition of BNA Beste Gebouw van het Jaar (Best Building of the Year) will celebrate Dutch architectural innovation. This event will be accompanied by an exhibition featuring standout projects from the past two decades, offering a retrospective on how architecture has shaped the Dutch urban landscape.
Rotterdam’s first design biennale
From 19 February to 2 March 2025, Rotterdam will host its inaugural Design Biennale, transforming the city into a hub for collectible design. With over 15 locations participating, the event will feature exhibitions, talks, and workshops. The Nieuwe Instituut, as a key partner, will host several activities, including a symposium examining the role of design in shaping sustainable urban environments. The biennale showcases Rotterdam’s commitment to positioning itself as a leader in the global design conversation.
Rotterdam’s role on the international stage
The Nieuwe Instituut will represent Rotterdam and the Netherlands in prominent global events throughout 2025. At the World Expo in Osaka, the institute is curating the cultural programme for the Dutch pavilion, focusing on the theme Common Ground. This theme highlights collaboration and cultural exchange, emphasising Rotterdam’s openness to global dialogue.
At the Venice Architecture Biennale, the Dutch pavilion will explore the intersections of architecture and social norms. Curator Amanda Pinatih and designer Gabriel Fontana will transform the iconic Rietveldpaviljoen into a ‘sports bar,’ using sports as a lens to examine issues such as gender and inclusivity.
During Milan Design Week, Rotterdam’s innovative spirit will shine through a year-long residency programme aimed at tackling sustainability challenges linked to large-scale events. Three designers will collaborate with local communities in Milan to explore solutions addressing over-tourism, pollution, and resource consumption.
Year-round attractions at the Nieuwe Instituut
The Nieuwe Instituut’s permanent features provide visitors with diverse experiences:
- Huis Sonneveld: This 1930s modernist home offers insight into how a prominent Rotterdam family embraced modern architecture and design. Enhanced sensory elements allow visitors to explore the space through touch, sound, and scent.
- New Store: A pop-up shop exploring regenerative retail practices, offering sustainable products designed by local creatives.
- -1: A digital culture lab that combines exhibition and experimentation. This year’s programme focuses on ‘noise cancelling,’ featuring immersive art installations that explore sound and silence.
- Toekomstmakers!: An interactive exhibit created with input from Rotterdam’s children, encouraging young visitors to envision and create their ideal futures.
Visitors can also enjoy the recently redesigned Nieuwe Tuin, an outdoor space fostering biodiversity and ecological management, or relax at the Nieuwe Café, which offers plant-based cuisine on one of Rotterdam’s most scenic terraces.
Directions to the Nieuwe Instituut
The Nieuwe Instituut is located at Museumpark 25, 3015 CB, Rotterdam. Situated in the heart of the city, it is easily accessible by public transport, including tram and metro services to the nearby Museumpark stop. For those arriving by car, parking facilities are available in the area.
