FROM 28 SEP–31 OCT |  The Natural History Museum Rotterdam has extended its summer fossil treasure hunt until 31 October. The activity invites children to step into the role of a palaeontologist and uncover prehistoric secrets.

Hunting for ancient treasures

Young fossil hunters can follow a trail through the museum, learning about fossils, prehistoric giants and Ice Age survivors. Along the way, children encounter real fossil finds and discover which animals and plants lived here thousands of years ago.

Highlights include mammoth teeth, bones of sabre-toothed cats and even fossilised hyena droppings. Fossils from ancient whales, dredged from the Westerschelde, also feature in the displays. The activity connects Rotterdam’s own Maasvlakte – where fossils regularly appear in the sand – to the city’s broader natural history.

Suitable for children

The fossil treasure hunt is designed for children aged 4 to 12. There are two versions: one for children who cannot yet read and write, and one for those who can.

If your kids speak Dutch, this activity is an engaging way to let them explore science and history in a playful setting.

Practical information

• Dates: 28 September – 31 October 2025
• Location: Natural History Museum Rotterdam, Westzeedijk 345, 3015 AA Rotterdam
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 – 17:00
• Cost: €2.50 for the treasure hunt, plus a museum entrance ticket
• Tickets: Order tickets online
• More info: Visit the website

Location and directions

The Natural History Museum Rotterdam is located on the Westzeedijk, in Museumpark, near Kunsthal Rotterdam and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. It is easily accessible by tram or metro via Eendrachtsplein, and a short walk from Rotterdam Central Station.

RETURNING SEPTEMBER 2026 | Premier Padel's P1 tournament is set to make a significant mark in Rotterdam Ahoy this September, promising an engaging event for padel enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Watch the 2025 highlights video

Decathlon Premier Padel Rotterdam 2025 has come to a close. Thousands of fans watched Delfina Brea and Gemma Triay, and Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello, claim the titles. 

Decathlon Premier Padel returns to Rotterdam in 2025

The second edition of the Decathlon Premier Padel Rotterdam has been announced for 2025, taking place from 28 September to 5 October at Rotterdam Ahoy. Over the course of the week, fans of padel will have the opportunity to watch high-level matches featuring some of the world’s top players.

The event, part of the international P1 circuit, aims to bring together sports enthusiasts and padel professionals for an engaging experience. Attendees can expect a mix of competitive matches and opportunities to engage with the sport themselves, including hands-on activities in a dedicated participation hall.

2025 match schedule

The official match schedule for Decathlon Premier Padel Rotterdam 2025 has been released. The schedule outlines the number of men’s and women’s matches to be played each day, as well as the court allocation for each session. This provides fans with a clear overview of the tournament structure and when they can expect to see the action unfold.

Final player line-up to follow

The names of participating players will be confirmed after the draw on 27 and 28 September. Tournament organisers will share the results and updates through their social media channels.

Fans can already consult the full schedule to plan their visit.

View the official match schedule (PDF)

International padel athletes announced for Rotterdam P1

The line-up for the Decathlon Premier Padel Rotterdam P1 tournament continues to take shape. Among those scheduled to appear is 23-year-old Arturo Coello, a Spanish athlete whose presence on the court has earned him the nickname ‘El Rey Arturo’ (King Arthur). Known for his physical playing style, Coello will team up with Agustin Tapia, a 25-year-old also from Spain. Tapia is often referred to as ‘El Mozart del Padel’ due to his refined technique and creativity in play.

On the women’s side, Ariana Sánchez Fallada, aged 27 and born in Spain, is expected to bring her strategic approach and technical prowess to the court. Her play has earned her the moniker “Magic Ari”. She will be joined by Paula Josemaría Martín, a fellow Spaniard, known as ‘Paula Dinamita’ because of her explosive and unpredictable playing style. Notably, Josemaría plays right side despite being left-handed, which is considered to provide a tactical edge.

Alejandro Galán is a Spanish player known for his explosive style and exceptional athleticism. Before choosing padel, he was a talented footballer. Nowadays, few padel players can match his lightning-fast reflexes and powerful smashes. By his side stands Federico Chingotto, also known as 'El Ratón'. He earns this nickname – the mouse – thanks to his small stature, agility, and lightning-quick movements. These qualities make him nearly impossible for defenders to catch.

Early ticket sales with exclusive benefits

Public ticket sales for the event begin on 19 March 2025. For tickets, visit the official Premier Padel Rotterdam website.

Opportunities to participate in 2025

In addition to watching elite padel players compete, visitors will also have the chance to experience the sport themselves. Ahoy’s dedicated participation zone will be open to all visitors, providing opportunities for fans to get involved. Leading up to the tournament, various events will also be organised where participants can engage with the sport.

VIP experience for businesses

For those seeking a premium experience, the Decathlon Premier Padel Rotterdam offers a VIP package designed for networking and social gatherings. This package combines high-level padel action with unlimited access to a selection of culinary refreshments.

A new highlight in the Premier Padel calendar

Following the integration of Premier Padel and the World Padel Tour (WPT) under the International Padel Federation (FIP), the Rotterdam event represents a significant step in professionalizing the sport. 

Tribe Company, known for organizing large-scale events such as De Vrienden van Amstel LIVE and The Streamers, is in charge of organizing the Premier Padel P1 tournament in Rotterdam. Marc Nipius from Tribe Company shared his enthusiasm about organizing a top-tier international padel tournament in an ideal venue, aiming to combine high-quality sporting events with top entertainment.

Directions to Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam Ahoy, the venue for the upcoming Premier Padel P1 tournament, is conveniently located and easily accessible.

To reach Rotterdam Ahoy, attendees can use public transportation, as it is well-served by bus and metro services. For those driving, the venue is easily accessible by car and offers ample parking facilities. The area around Ahoy is vibrant, with a variety of dining and leisure options for visitors to enjoy before or after the event.

HAPPENING 24–28 September 2025 | Camera Japan is the largest festival for Japanese film and culture in the Benelux. See films, enjoy performances, participate in workshops, purchase Japanese products and get swept away by beautiful Japanese music.

What to expect at Camera Japan in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is gearing up for the 20th edition of the CAMERA JAPAN Festival, a much-anticipated event for lovers of Japanese cinema and culture. The festival promises to be a treat for attendees with a rich line-up of Japanese films, including European and international premieres.

Founded in 2006, CAMERA JAPAN has grown into the largest Japanese cultural festival in the Benelux. Organised by a non-profit team, the festival relies on audience support to continue growing. Fans can join the CAMERA JAPAN Kurabu, a membership programme that helps sustain the event.

What to expect? 
The CAMERA JAPAN Festival has always been a celebration of Japanese cinema, and this year is no exception. Attendees can look forward to:

• Film Screenings: A diverse range of Japanese films will be showcased, including some that are making their European and even international debut at the festival.

• Special Screenings and Q&A's: Engage with the minds behind the films with special screenings followed by Q&A sessions with directors. It's a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Japanese cinema.

• Side Programme: Beyond the films, the festival offers a rich side programme. Attendees can participate in workshops, experience interventions, and explore a market brimming with Japanese foods and goods.

Camera Japan programme 2025

This year’s line-up includes several Dutch and world premieres, each accompanied by a chance to meet the filmmakers:

• Aruku – World premiere. An intimate documentary on the 四国遍路 (Shikoku Henro), the 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Director Kataoka Shiho joins Q&As on Thursday 25 and Sunday 28 September.
• Good Luck – Dutch premiere. Director Adachi Shin and producer Adachi Akiko will take questions after screenings on Friday 26 and Sunday 28 September.
• Johatsu – Into Thin Air – Dutch premiere. Directors Mori Arata and Andreas Hartmann explore Japan’s “evaporated people.” Q&As on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September.
• Yukiko a.k.a. – Dutch premiere. Director Kusaba Naoya discusses his film about a teacher overcoming insecurity through rap battles. Q&As on Friday 26 and Sunday 28 September.
• Shades of Indigo – Dutch premiere. Director Yoshida Shigeru reflects on the fading tradition of indigo dyeing. Q&As on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September.

More than cinema

The festival offers much more than films. Visitors can take part in hands-on workshops and explore Japanese culture through the weekend Market at Fenix. For those who cannot wait, a special preview screening of Gokudō meshi (Sukiyaki, 2011) takes place on Friday 19 September at Fenix in Rotterdam.

The full programme for this year's edition of Camera Japan in Rotterdam has been announced. Find it here: https://camerajapan.nl/rotterdam/

Location: LantarenVenster

LantarenVenster, the iconic building located at Otto Reuchlinweg 996, 3072 MD Rotterdam on the Wilhelminapier, will once again host the CAMERA JAPAN Festival. With several screening rooms, LantarenVenster is the perfect venue to showcase over 50 Japanese films, ensuring that attendees have a wide variety of cinematic experiences to choose from.

HAPPENING 13–14 September 2025 | Join the celebration of living heritage at the annual Open Monuments Day (Open Monumentendag) in Rotterdam. Discover monuments, traditions, and artisan skills that define the city's legacy.

The annual Open Monuments Day (Open Monumentendag), the largest cultural event in the Netherlands, is set to return on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September. Thousands of monuments across the country will open their doors for free, providing an opportunity to visit sites that are not usually accessible to the public. The event will feature nearly 1,000 monuments in Zuid-Holland alone, including several in Rotterdam.

This year marks the 39th edition of Open Monument Day, with a special focus on the theme 'Routes, Networks, and Connections' ('Routes, netwerken en verbindingen'). The theme will be explored through various exhibitions, guided tours, cycling routes, walks, and music performances at different heritage sites.

Rotterdam: 70 buildings open and a programme built to last

On 13–14 September, Rotterdam throws open the doors of around 70 monuments. The programme is broad – from atomic bomb shelters, freerunning courses and digital graffiti to guided tours in iconic buildings – reflecting the idea that these structures are built to last. Highlights include:

• Hotel New York, Arminiuskerk and Museumwoning Tuindorp Vreewijk – guided tours introduce visitors to the stories behind these landmarks.
• Korenmolen De Zandweg and the Rotterdamsche Zeilvereniging – step inside a working windmill and the yacht club designed by architect Willem van Tijen.
• Belastingkantoor Puntegale with its paternoster lift and the Dokhuis op Zuid – normally closed to the public.
• Free‑running and Eendeëi – as part of a collaboration with Rotterdam Street Culture Week, freerunners create a course on the historic Koningspoort shipyard and graffiti artists experiment with digital graffiti in the Katoenhuis. The Eendeëi garage in the M4H district celebrates the classic Citroën 2CV; the cars shuttle visitors between the Van Nellefabriek, Justus van Effencomplex and the garage.
• Rotterdamse Jaar van de Vrouw – monuments highlight stories about women. At Hotel Schoevers (Morgan & Mees) visitors learn about Mies Lanen, who commissioned the building; Pelgrimvaderskerk examines the lives of pilgrim women; and the RVS‑flat (nicknamed the Hunkerbunker) designed by architect Wil Jansen shows how modernist housing served single women.

Schiedam: national opening and a record number of monuments

Schiedam celebrates its 750th anniversary in 2025 and will host the national opening of Open Monuments Day on Friday 12 September. The opening ceremony takes place in the Havenkerk (Lange Haven 72) with a pre‑programme from 20:00 to 20:30, a formal opening by mayor Harald Bergmann and television personality Janny van der Heijden from 20:30 to 21:00, followed by a discovery tour with live music and performances from 21:00 to 23:00. The programme is free of charge and visitors can wander through various monuments in the city centre.

During the weekend, Schiedam opens more monuments than ever. The city has about 200 national monuments and 300 municipal monuments; roughly fifty buildings take part each year. Highlights include:

• Huis te Riviere – ruins of a 13th‑century castle built for Aleida van Holland.
• The former glass factory – an industrial site closed in 2017.
• Religious heritage – the Liduinabasiliek, Havenkerk with its neo‑Baroque interior, a historic Catholic cemetery, and lesser‑known sites like the prayer room of the Hersteld Hervormde gemeente and the Oud‑Katholieke Huis te Poort.
• Industrial heritage – Zakkendragershuis, various branderijen and distilleries, the soda factory and the towering windmills that recall Schiedam’s gin‑distilling past.

Because most sites lie close together, visitors can explore many locations on foot.

Vlaardingen: more than twenty sites and cultural festivities

Vlaardingen participates under the national theme “Architecture and heritage – built to last”. Over twenty monuments open their doors and visitors can combine tours with cultural events. The Stadskaravaan comes to the Veerplein (13:00–17:00) with theatre, music, dance, food and drink. Around the Stadskraan historic crane, Kraanconcerten take place. Organised walks are provided by Vlaardingen Doen. Highlighted monuments and activities:

• Pakhuis N.V. Visscherijmaatschappij (KW Haven NZ 11A) – a 1900 haring (herring) warehouse restored as a modern office building (open Saturday 11:00–14:00).
• Vulcaanbrouwerij (Oosthavenkade 90) – a 19th‑century steam brewery where visitors hear plans for preserving the complex (Sat 12:00–16:00).
• De Bolder (Columbusstraat 5) – a brutalist 1984 flat; its under‑croft hosts coffee, lunch and a neighbourhood festival (Sat 12:00–16:00).
• Museum Vlaardingen (Westhavenkade 54) – a building combining an 18th‑century house, former post office and modern extension; classical concerts are planned (Sat 10:00–17:00).
• KADE40 (Westhavenkade 40) – once a post office, now the city’s cultural centre (Sat 09:00–14:00).
• Concordia (Westhavenkade 28) – an Amsterdam School‑style building that houses the city’s oldest pub (Sat 09:00–02:00).
• De Grote Kerk (Markt 63) – visitors can see the Van Peteghem organ, hear an organ concert at 16:00 and climb the tower at 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00.
• Distilleerderij Van Toor (Maassluissedijk 32) – historic gin distillery; part of the pub crawl through the town (Sat 11:30–16:30).
• Sionkerk (Westnieuwland 56) – a church opened to the public for the first time; plain on the outside but luminous inside (Sat 10:00–13:00).
• Molen Aeolus (Kortedijk 14) – a working grain mill from 1790; expect tours and pancakes (Sat 11:00–16:00).
• Masamuda – an educational archaeological site in the Broekpolder, where visitors can experience Stone‑Age and medieval life through activities like archery, rope‑making and bread baking (Sat and Sun 12:00–16:00).
• Other sites include the Watertoren (open Sunday only), Cuyperstoren, Waag, Kapel St. Willibrordus, Begraafplaats Emaus and the Streekmuseum Jan Anderson.

Most monuments are free; however, opening times vary, so visitors should consult the official programme.

Lansingerland (Berkel en Rodenrijs and neighbouring villages)

The municipality of Lansingerland (formed from Berkel en Rodenrijs, Bergschenhoek and Bleiswijk) has 16 national monuments and 43 municipal monuments. The local committee comprises representatives from historical societies and churches. A limited number of sites will be open, including several churches:

• Onze Lieve Vrouwe Geboorte in Berkel en Rodenrijs (Noordeindseweg 100) – open on Saturday 13 September from 11:00 to 16:00 with guided tours and organ performances by four organists.
• Sint Willibrord in Bergschenhoek – open Saturday 10:00–16:00; the programme features a concert by the Caeciliakoor and Helicon clarinet group at 10:30, screenings of a historical film about Bergschenhoek, an organ‑playing opportunity, a market and a cycling tour.
• H. Joannes de Dooperkerk in Pijnacker – open Saturday 11:00–16:00 with a concert at 11:30 and a lecture on architect Adrianus Bleijs at 13:30; children’s scavenger hunt and displays of church artefacts are also offered.
• H. Bartholomeuskerk in Nootdorp – open on Saturday 11:00–16:00 and Sunday 13:00–16:00, with guided tours throughout the day.

Capelle aan den IJssel: small museums and musical programmes

Capelle aan den IJssel returns to Open Monuments Day with a brochure and a cycling route linking participating monuments. Stand‑out sites include:

• Dief‑ en Duifhuisje – this tiny 17th‑century prison is the only remnant of Capelle’s 17th‑century castle. It could hold two prisoners; pigeons were kept on a loft above them. Outside stood a gallows. After restoration the building reopened in 2011 as the smallest museum in the Netherlands. During Open Monuments Day it is open on Saturday 13 September from 10:00 to 16:00, with an exhibition on “Capelle in wartime” covering topics such as conscripted soldiers, emergency money and wartime rationing.
• Van Cappellenhuis – a stately mansion with one of the most beautiful regents’ rooms in the Netherlands. On Saturday 13 September it hosts an open‑house programme: the doors open at 10:00, a performance by choir Singing Souls at 11:00, a set of Dutch and English songs by Ad Vermeer at 12:30, African stories narrated by Jan de Grauw with music by Ad Vermeer at 13:30, followed by the opening of a new exhibition at 14:30.
• Stormvloedkering Hollandsche IJssel (Algera Bridge) – the storm surge barrier between Capelle and Krimpen is an engineering monument. On Saturday 13 September visitors can join guided tours between 10:00 and 15:00, climb the tower and explore the bridge’s control rooms. No reservation is required, but the site is best reached on foot or by bicycle.

Plan your visit

Open Monuments Day offers a unique opportunity to explore heritage sites that are usually closed to the public. With nearly 70 buildings in Rotterdam, a record number in Schiedam, over twenty in Vlaardingen, and fascinating sites in Lansingerland and Capelle aan den IJssel, there is something for everyone. Many events are free, though some require advance booking or have limited capacity, so visitors should check specific opening times and reservation requirements.

To explore the full programme and plan your own route, visit the Open Monumentendag website. The national site lists all participating monuments and activities, while local sites provide detailed programmes for Rotterdam and the surrounding towns.

Additional event details

OMD app
To facilitate easy access to all the monuments and activities, a dedicated Open Monument Day app (OMDapp) has been launched. The app allows users to search for monuments by name, city, or province, and provides a list or map view. It also offers navigation options using Google Maps and allows users to create personalised routes. The app is available for free on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

For a more complete list, have a look at the official Open Monuments Day website for Rotterdam.