'May we keep in touch': A unique art experience

'May we keep in touch': A unique art experience

A journey back to tangible connections unfolds at the Groot Handelsgebouw with Sonja Mercedes' exhibition 'May we keep in touch'.

Exhibition invites rediscovery of physical touch

On 11 January, the Groot Handelsgebouw in Rotterdam unveiled 'May we keep in touch', an exhibition by Sonja Mercedes that explores intimacy and human connections. This distinctive showcase, curated by the talented photographer, encourages visitors to re-evaluate the significance of physical touch in an era dominated by digital interactions. The exhibition is accessible until April 2024.

Art sparking conversations

Mercedes' passion for capturing her surroundings led her to photography. Her work, initially a quest for tangible memories, has become central to her art, focusing on the extraordinary beauty hidden in the mundane. Mercedes aims to initiate discussions, urging her audience to pause and appreciate life's details.

Sonja Mercedes' new exhibit opens in RotterdamSonja Mercedes' new exhibit opens in Rotterdam

Emphasis on touch

'May we keep in touch' features a collection of works from various projects that convey different aspects of physical contact, presented as Mercedes' most personal collection to date. Exhibited on translucent fabrics, the installation invites attendees to interact with the pieces, thereby becoming part of the experience and exploring the concept of touch themselves. Mercedes seeks to highlight moments of connection and offer a break from the daily routine.

Experience the exhibition

Following a successful launch filled with emotions, laughter, and meaningful conversations, the public is warmly invited to experience this unique exhibition at the Groot Handelsgebouw, available until April 2024.

Explore human connections at Groot HandelsgebouwExplore human connections at Groot Handelsgebouw

About Groot Handelsgebouw

The Groot Handelsgebouw (GHG), positioned at the heart of Rotterdam's city centre and adjacent to the Central Station, houses a vibrant community of over 450 businesses. Built in 1953, the GHG symbolizes Rotterdam's post-war reconstruction and stands as one of the Netherlands' largest commercial buildings. Managed by Jamestown, the building is at the forefront of various projects aimed at revitalizing the property while preserving its heritage and fostering collaboration, innovation, and community engagement

Femke Kock art exhibition at the Euromast

Femke Kock art exhibition at the Euromast

A unique exhibition by artist Femke Kock takes art to new heights at the Euromast, celebrating Rotterdam's cultural diversity.

Unique exhibition by Femke Kock at the Euromast

A tribute to Rotterdam's rich cultural diversity, an exhibition featuring ten original works by artist Femke Kock, will be showcased at the Euromast from 31 January through 16 April 2024. High-quality reproductions of these works will be displayed on the outdoor viewing platform, allowing the visitors to enjoy them against the backdrop of the city skyline. The originals will be hung in the Euromast's restaurant during the exhibition period.

Femke Kock's exhibition reflects her vision of the city through three themes: 'Resilience and Renewal of Rotterdam', 'Cultural Diversity', and 'City Icons and Personalities'. These themes offer a journey through the city's past and present, highlighting its post-World War II reconstruction, the impressive skyline, and local heroes like Jules Deelder. Kock's vibrant style, inspired by pop art, street art, and graffiti, resonates with Rotterdam's dynamic character and the Euromast itself.

Opening event

The exhibition will officially open on Wednesday, 31 January, from 15:00 – 16:00, just before the Rotterdam Art Week, showcasing the ten paintings in the Euromast restaurant. Following the opening, a section of the restaurant will be opened to the public to view the original works, with Femke Kock available until 20:30 to engage with art enthusiasts. The photographed works, presented on large aluminium plates, will be on display from 31 January at the outdoor viewing platform, offering a unique perspective of the city.

Cultural highlights

Visitors can combine their exhibition experience with a ride in the Euroscoop, Europe's highest panoramic lift, where stories about the city complement the visual journey of the exhibition. This event marks a cultural highlight and tribute to colourful Rotterdam.

About the Euromast

An internationally renowned icon since 1960, the Euromast stands as one of Rotterdam's tallest buildings, offering a unique 360-degree perspective of the city. From its Brasserie to the concept store and the recently upgraded Euroscoop with a unique glass floor, the Euromast provides a comprehensive day out. Adventurous visitors can abseil 100 meters down from the viewing platform balustrade between May and September, with exclusive abseils available upon request all year round. Since 2020, the Euromast has been part of Magnicity, a global leader in urban tourism at great heights, spotlighting iconic towers worldwide and offering visitors a unique city experience.

Directions to the Euromast

For those planning to visit the exhibition, the Euromast is located in the heart of Rotterdam, easily accessible by public transportation or car. Nestled in the Parkhaven area, it's a landmark that's hard to miss.

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Museum Night Rotterdam - amazing art & culture after dark

Museum Night Rotterdam - amazing art & culture after dark

Looking to sample the best art in the city? All in one night? Then check out Museum Night! Rotterdam's art & culture scene comes to life at over 30+ locations in the city on the first Saturday night of March.

 

When is the next Museum Night in Rotterdam?

The next Museum Night in Rotterdam takes place on Saturday, 2 March 2024

 

What is Museum Night?

The 'Museumnacht' is a yearly event which takes place (on different dates) in different cities in the Netherlands as well as Belgium. Rotterdam's Museum Night takes place on the first Saturday in March, whereas Amsterdam's Museumnacht is always on the first Saturday in November. In Brussels and Oostende it's known as 'Museumnocturne'. During these events, many museums and art galleries participate by opening their doors in the evening hours and hosting special expositions and artistic performances. 
 

Museumnacht010

Museum Night Rotterdam, known as Museumnacht010, is a unique opportunity to check out all the art and culture Rotterdam has to offer! Expect to see exhibitions, unique collections, bizarre performances and daring projects at more than 40 museums and cultural institutions in the city. All museums and cultural institutions taking part are open from 20:00 until 1:00. Note that you need to purchase tickets beforehand (before they sell out) to actually gain full access to every location on this night.

Rotterdam's Museum Night always has a very diverse programme. Check out the full programme and get your tickets on the Museumnacht010 website.

Museumnacht010 is a collaboration of the participating art and cultural institutions of Rotterdam. The institutions put together their own program and seek cooperation in order to show what Rotterdam has to offer in the field of art and culture. Museum Night010 is managed by a small coordinating project team.

 

Museumnacht Aftermovie


Museum Night Rotterdam locations:

This year there are 35 locations. We're not sure which ones exactly. But, in 2023, these were the participating museums and galleries.

  • Garage Rotterdam
  • Kunstinstituut Melly
  • Christian Ouwens Galerie
  • Root Gallery
  • Huis Sonneveld
  • wereldmuseum
  • Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam
  • Nieuwe Instituut
  • Mariniersmuseum
  • Maritiem Museum Rotterdam
  • Galerie PHOEBUS Rotterdam
  • Galerie Atelier Herenplaats
  • JOEY RAMONE
  • Frank Taal Galerie
  • Chabot Museum
  • HIM (Het Industriegebouw Modern)
  • BRUTUS
  • Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen
  • Roodkapje
  • Belasting & Douane Museum
  • WORM
  • Kunsthal Rotterdam
  • Contour Gallery
  • Koninklijke Visio
  • Goethe-Institut Rotterdam
  • V2_ Lab for the Unstable Media
  • PrintRoom
  • Zuid. Boijmans Van Beuningen
  • TENT Rotterdam
  • Verhalenhuis Belvédère
  • Studio Seine
  • MaMA
  • Schaakstukkenmuseum
  • Nederlands Fotomuseum
 
Art Rotterdam - discover (and buy) amazing contemporary art

Art Rotterdam - discover (and buy) amazing contemporary art

Every year, Art Rotterdam draws art, artists, and collectors from all over the world. As the premier art fair in the Netherlands, Art Rotterdam is a great opportunity to view and even purchase spectacular new art from local and international artists.
 

What is Art Rotterdam?

Art Rotterdam is the main art fair in the Netherlands. The annual fair provides a platform for the newest developments in visual art. In particular, the fair's focus on recent art, the variety of its participants and sections, the event's connection with the city of Rotterdam and the iconic location (Van Nelle factory) give Art Rotterdam a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other.
 
For an increasing number of art professionals and collectors worldwide, Art Rotterdam has become a preferred destination within the international field of art fairs. The event attracts more visitors from the Netherlands and abroad each year.
 

Art Rotterdam 2024

Art Rotterdam, a renowned art fair, is set to mark its 25th edition at the Van Nelle Factory for the last time from 1st to 4th February 2024. On a floor space of 10,000 m2, over a hundred leading domestic and foreign galleries will show work by upcoming and established artists. 

For its final year at the Van Nelle Factory, Art Rotterdam introduces a new section, 'Artistic Matter', alongside the 12th edition of 'Prospects', featuring works by 86 emerging artists. This edition will also present a collection of large-scale outdoor works.

New section: Artistic Matter

Artistic Matter, a highlight of the fair, emphasizes unique use of materials by artists. This year, Slovak-Rotterdam artist Tomáš Libertíny collaborates with bees to create intricate structures in beehives, blending art and nature. The project, facilitated by Lakeside Capital Partners, showcases a delicate relationship between human creativity and natural processes.

 

Prospects: A showcase of emerging talent

Prospects, an initiative by the Mondriaan Fund, will display a variety of art forms from 86 artists. Curated by Johan Gustavsson and Louise Bjeldbak Henriksen, the exhibition offers a snapshot of contemporary art development in the Netherlands. The works explore themes like identity, nature, and human connections, reflecting the diversity and innovation in the art world.

 

Spectacular outdoor installations

The entrance of the Van Nelle Factory and its surroundings will feature large-scale outdoor artworks. These include architectural and sculptural works by various artists, combining different forms of art and design to create a unique outdoor experience.

 

How to buy art at Art Rotterdam?

If you're an art lover or collector looking to buy art, this is also a great opportunity to do so. To check out the available art beforehand, visit GalleryViewer.com. The site displays the online catalogue of Art Rotterdam prior to the fair's opening. This catalogue includes all the works of art exhibited by participating galleries, including their price range, a short biography, videos and recommendations.
 
GalleryViewer.com is Art Rotterdam's online platform, specially built to support potential art buyers. The site maintains an extensive database of artworks, exhibitions, and artist profiles. More than 45 participating galleries have been chosen for their high-quality selection.
 

Location: Van Nelle factory

 
Maastunnel exhibit showcases Rotterdam women

Maastunnel exhibit showcases Rotterdam women

ROTTERDAM, 3 November 2023 – A unique photography exhibition showcasing Rotterdam's women starts 10 November in the Maastunnel.

Unique photo exhibition in Maastunnel spotlights Rotterdam's women

In a collaboration between Stichting Wijkcollectie and Museum Rotterdam, a unique photo exhibition will be displayed along the escalators to the historic bicycle and pedestrian tunnel under the Maas in Rotterdam, starting 10 November. Photographer Marie Cecile Thijs, in association with these organisations, will showcase nine women recognised as Echt Rotterdams Erfgoed (Real Rotterdam Heritage), each paired with an item from Museum Rotterdam's historical collection. The photos will be exhibited on both sides of the Maastunnel escalators in the coming months, with the opening ceremony led by city poet Elfie Tromp.

The city's story through its women

The exhibition celebrates the numerous women who contribute daily to Rotterdam's fabric, thereby writing the city's history. Among the hundred others, these nine women, captured by Rotterdam's own Marie Cecile Thijs, represent a bridge between past and future. On one side of the escalators, they are photographed with historical artefacts from Museum Rotterdam, while on the opposite side, their initiatives for inclusion in Echt Rotterdams Erfgoed are displayed.

A call to women

Nicole van Dijk, director and co-founder of Stichting Wijkcollectie, emphasised the historical underrepresentation of women in public discourse and cultural collections. She views this exhibition as a call to women to assert themselves and pave the way for future generations, contributing to the city's history.

Joyce's story

Featured in the exhibition is Joyce de Lima from Echt Rotterdams Erfgoed. She runs Speeltuinvereniging Jeugdveld in Zuidwijk, a welcoming playground especially for families with limited resources. Despite Zuidwijk's challenges like poverty and loneliness, Joyce's initiatives, from organising trips for the elderly to providing bread to those in need, paint a picture of community spirit and support.

Directions to the exhibition

The photo exhibition is located in the Maastunnel, accessible via the bicycle and pedestrian tunnel. The Maastunnel area is easily reachable by public transport and has ample parking facilities for those driving. It's an iconic location, combining historical and modern elements of Rotterdam's urban landscape.

 

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