UNTIL 29 June 2025 | A rare glimpse into Henk Chabot's wartime works is now on display at the Chabot Museum. The exhibition explores human dignity and freedom through art created during one of the most turbulent periods in Dutch history.

_{Image: Chabot Museum, Menselijkheid En Vrijheid. Photo credit: Jacqueline Fuijkschot}

Chabot’s wartime vision on display at the Chabot Museum

A temporary exhibition titled Menselijkheid en vrijheid – Rembrandt als voorbeeld is currently on view at the Chabot Museum in Rotterdam. It features a selection of paintings and drawings by Dutch expressionist Henk Chabot, produced between 1940 and 1945. The exhibition runs until 29 June 2025.

This focused presentation sheds light on how Chabot experienced and responded to the Second World War, both personally and artistically. Known for depicting people in vulnerable or displaced situations—whether in war, at home, or on the run—Chabot used expressive brushstrokes and dramatic contrasts (clair-obscur) to evoke empathy and introspection.

Historical context and artistic influence

The exhibition was curated with academic insight provided by art historian Simon Oosterhuis, whose research was supported by a grant from the Vereniging Rembrandt. Central to both the research and the exhibition are Chabot’s own reflections and writings, which offer insight into his creative process and the ideas that shaped his practice.

A notable element throughout the exhibition is Chabot’s admiration for Rembrandt van Rijn. This influence is evident in his handling of light and shadow, as well as the emotional weight given to facial expressions, particularly the eyes and hands.

Rarely exhibited works on show

For the first time, Chabot’s wartime works are being shown in this context and combination. The exhibition includes pieces from the Chabot Museum’s core collection, complemented by previously unseen loans from private collections.

Visitors have described the exhibition as deeply moving, noting the emotional impact of Chabot’s paintings, which reflect timeless themes of suffering, hope and humanity. The current global atmosphere adds further relevance to these works, highlighting their ongoing resonance.

Visiting the Chabot Museum

The Chabot Museum is located in one of Rotterdam’s modernist villas, situated on the edge of the Museumpark. The area is easily accessible by tram and metro, and within walking distance of Rotterdam Centraal Station. Nearby landmarks include the Kunsthal and Het Nieuwe Instituut, making the museum an ideal stop during a cultural day in the city.

HAPPENING 17 May–21 Sep 2025 | Nieuwe Instituut presents an exhibition dedicated to the architectural vision of Ma Yansong and MAD Architects. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore two decades of design through models, video installations and interactive displays.

Ma Yansong exhibition opens at Nieuwe Instituut

A new exhibition titled Ma Yansong. Architectuur en emotie has opened at Nieuwe Instituut, the national museum for architecture, design and digital culture, located in the heart of Rotterdam. The exhibition offers an in-depth look at the vision and methods of Ma Yansong and his global architecture practice, MAD Architects.

The opening of the exhibition coincides with the launch of Fenix, the new museum on migration situated in Rotterdam's Katendrecht district. The building’s rooftop feature, an architectural structure known as the Tornado, was designed by MAD and has drawn attention for its dynamic form.

Recently named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2025, Ma Yansong is increasingly recognised for designs that respond to emotional and humanistic values, often through the lens of traditional Chinese aesthetics.

The exhibition highlights a selection of projects spanning China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, France and the Netherlands, demonstrating how architecture can intertwine with nature and human emotion.

The showcase will include models, immersive video presentations and interactive installations, aiming to illustrate the philosophy behind MAD’s designs. Visitors will also get a closer look at some of the firm’s unrealised projects, such as the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which was co-founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas.

Connection to Rotterdam’s Fenix museum

The exhibition coincides with the opening of Fenix, Rotterdam’s new museum dedicated to migration, for which MAD Architects designed The Tornado, a striking double-helix staircase. This structure leads visitors from the atrium of the former Fenix warehouse to a rooftop viewing platform, offering panoramic views of the Maas River, the city, and Katendrecht—a district historically known as one of continental Europe’s first Chinatowns.

From modernist critique to fluid forms

The exhibition traces Ma’s journey from his early opposition to modernism’s rigid rationalism, towards his current organic and fluid designs. These reflect an ambition to reconnect architecture with nature, drawing inspiration from shanshui (mountain-water), a concept rooted in classical Chinese landscape painting.

Through physical models, multimedia installations and conceptual artworks, visitors are invited to explore Ma’s evolving vision. This includes speculative proposals such as Floating Island, designed for the former site of New York’s World Trade Center, and the 800 Metre Tower, a critique of height-obsessed urban architecture.

Nature as emotional metaphor

The second part of the exhibition focuses on Ma’s approach to embedding nature within architectural design—not merely as greenery, but as a symbolic and emotional force. The Shenzhen Bay Cultural Park and a proposed concept for Amsterdam’s Zuidas are presented as case studies.

The section titled Embodied nature also features a sound installation by artist Aimée Theriot, unbound echo, which evolves through audience interaction and spatial acoustics.

Past and future in organic dialogue

Although MAD Architects is often associated with futuristic aesthetics, the firm consciously bridges history and modernity. Ma begins each design with hand-drawn sketches—an approach exemplified in the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles and the new Fenix museum in Rotterdam.

The Tornado atop Fenix reflects this interplay, symbolising both arrival and departure, while rooting the future in historic continuity. A dedicated AI installation allows visitors to create their own MAD-style sketches, rendered using the firm’s archival data.

Designing for emotional experience

The final section, Connecting landscapes, centres on the human experience of space. MAD’s projects are designed to evoke emotional responses, encouraging a sense of belonging in urban environments. This principle has been applied in the Baiziwan Social Housing project in Beijing, where communal paths and elevated walkways are used to foster interaction among residents.

A newly released film, Beyond the Wall, by director Weichao Xu—who resides in Baiziwan—is presented here for the first time, offering insight into daily life within MAD-designed spaces.

Aric Chen on MAD’s architectural role

Aric Chen, general and artistic director of Nieuwe Instituut and curator of the exhibition, noted:
“China has produced some of the most influential architectural projects in recent times. Ma Yansong and MAD are key figures in this development. We are pleased to present his first solo museum exhibition outside China in over ten years.”

Ma Yansong in conversation

Ma Yansong will appear on Thursday 26 June at Een avond met…, the institute’s regular talk series featuring influential figures in architecture and digital culture. He will join Aric Chen for a discussion on his philosophy, creative process and the evolution of MAD Architects.

That evening will also mark the launch of Fenix: A Museum as Metaphor, a new publication documenting the transformation of the Fenix warehouse between 2021 and 2025.

Exploring Ma Yansong’s architectural philosophy

Founded in 2004 by Ma Yansong and co-led by Dang Qun and Yosuke Hayano, MAD Architects has developed a distinctive approach to contemporary architecture. The firm integrates modern functionality with organic, fluid designs that establish a connection between people and their environment. With offices in Los Angeles, Rome and Beijing, MAD continues to experiment with the interplay between urban development and nature.

The exhibition will explore Ma’s critique of modernism and globalisation, alongside his aspiration to design spaces that evoke emotional responses.

Nieuwe Instituut hosts Ma Yansong exhibition

Shanshui: tradition meets modernity

While often described as futuristic, Ma’s work is deeply influenced by traditional Chinese philosophy, particularly shanshui (mountain-water), a concept found in classical Chinese landscape painting. Shanshui reimagines urban spaces as environments where modern living is harmonised with nature, fostering a sense of emotional connection between individuals and their surroundings.

A Shanshui City is not simply a green or eco-friendly urban development; it represents an effort to merge tradition with contemporary architecture, creating spaces that prioritise human well-being and interaction with the natural world.

The early years of MAD Architects

The exhibition will also delve into MAD’s formative years during the early 2000s, a period of rapid economic and social change in China. During this time, the firm hosted MAD Dinners, discussions that brought together individuals from various fields to examine the impact of modernisation and reconsider the role of architecture.

These conversations inspired speculative projects such as Floating Island, a proposed canopy for the former World Trade Center site in New York, and a vision for transforming Beijing’s Tiananmen Square into a park. Such projects reflect MAD’s early commitment to rethinking urban spaces and exploring new possibilities in architectural design.

Nieuwe Instituut hosts Ma Yansong exhibition

Connecting people, places and time

MAD’s more recent work focuses on architecture’s ability to connect people with their surroundings and with history. Organised around the themes Embodied Nature, Connective Landscapes, and Layered Futures, the exhibition will present projects that seek to enhance personal experience, repair fragmented urban spaces, and integrate historical elements into future developments.

Among these projects is the Baiziwan Social Housing in Beijing, which promotes walkability and community-building through interconnected spaces. The Quzhou Sports Park, featuring a stadium that blends into the landscape, redefines sports architecture by merging monumental structures with nature. Meanwhile, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles embodies MAD’s biomorphic approach, combining storytelling with sustainable materials and design innovation.

Nieuwe Instituut hosts Ma Yansong exhibition

Directions to Nieuwe Instituut

Nieuwe Instituut is located in the Museumpark, a cultural hub in Rotterdam that also houses the Kunsthal and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with tram and metro stations nearby. For those arriving by car, parking is available in the vicinity.

From 30 June–31 August 2025 | – A new outdoor photo exhibition along the Maastunnel highlights the lives of 40 Rotterdam women who have played a defining role in the city’s development. The display captures a wide timeline, ranging from the 16th century to the present day.

_{Photo credit: Lotte van Eijk Bete Photography} 

Photo exhibition honours influential Rotterdam women

An exhibition presented by Museum Rotterdam and Stadsarchief Rotterdam is set to open on 30 June 2025, featuring portraits of forty women who have significantly shaped the cultural, political, and social fabric of Rotterdam. The exhibition, titled Rotterdamse vrouwen die het hebben gemaakt (Rotterdam women who made it), will be installed along the iconic escalators of the Maastunnel.

The display includes a curated selection of both historic and contemporary figures, whose stories are presented through portraits accompanied by brief biographies. Each woman’s narrative explores the motivations behind her work and the challenges she encountered.

A timeline from 1539 to now

The exhibition opens with the story of Anneke Jans, who was executed in Rotterdam in 1539 for her religious beliefs. The most recent figure featured is Lotte van Eijk, a contemporary influencer and designer known for her advocacy around body positivity. Between these two women, visitors are introduced to an array of figures such as:

• Peggy Wijntuin, recognised for her work in raising awareness of slavery’s legacy.
• Olympian Rie Mastenbroek.
• Feminist pioneer Maria Rutgers-Hoitsema.
• Sculptor Loeki Metz.
• Activist Grarda Pelger.

Their contributions reflect diverse backgrounds and fields of influence, united by a common thread of persistence and autonomy.

Left: Lotte Stam-Beese, photo by Fototechnische Dienst, Stadsarchief Rotterdam. Right: Hermine Emerentia Hollert, portrait by Cornelis Cels, photo courtesy of RKD

A joint initiative

The exhibition has been developed as a collaboration between Museum Rotterdam and Stadsarchief Rotterdam. Both institutions have contributed archival material, objects and personal testimonies. In several cases, images were provided directly by the women featured or their families. Visitors can read the biographies on the museum’s website, and a companion booklet will also be available.

The presentation seeks not only to honour these forty women, but also to prompt reflection on the many untold stories of others who have left their mark on Rotterdam.

Part of Rotterdam’s Year of the Woman

The exhibition forms part of 2025 | Het Rotterdamse Jaar van de Vrouw (Rotterdam’s Year of the Woman), a city-wide initiative commemorating fifty years since the United Nations declared 1975 the International Women’s Year. The thematic year aims to reflect on progress made in women’s emancipation in Rotterdam and the challenges that remain.

Further details can be found at www.vrouwenvanrotterdam.nl and www.museumrotterdam.nl.

Directions to the Maastunnel exhibition

The portraits are displayed along the escalators of the historic Maastunnel, which connects the north and south banks of the city beneath the Nieuwe Maas. The entrance on the north side is located near Parklaan and the entrance on the south side can be found near the Charloisse Hoofd. The area is easily accessible by bicycle, on foot, or via public transport.

From 1 March to 31 August 2025 | Kunsthal Rotterdam will present Leap Year, the first major retrospective of South Korean artist Haegue Yang in the Netherlands. This multidisciplinary exhibition spans three decades of work, including installations, video, and sound art.

A retrospective of migration, identity, and culture

From 1 March to 31 August 2025, Kunsthal Rotterdam will host Leap Year, a retrospective exhibition showcasing the works of Haegue Yang, an internationally acclaimed artist from South Korea. Known for her innovative use of everyday objects and materials, Yang’s work merges modernism, folk traditions, and contemporary themes, offering an evocative exploration of identity, migration, and cultural exchange.

The exhibition marks a significant milestone as the first major presentation of Yang’s work in the Netherlands. Spanning three decades of creative practice, Leap Year invites visitors to experience the artist’s multisensory installations, including the interplay of sound, video, and sculpture.

Artist talk with Haegue Yang to be held at Kunsthal

An artist talk featuring internationally exhibited South Korean artist Haegue Yang will take place at Kunsthal Rotterdam on Friday 13 June. The talk is being held in collaboration with the Piet Zwart Institute’s Master Studies in Art, Design and Art Education, and will be moderated by Danny Giles, the current Course Director of the Master of Fine Art programme. The artist talk is scheduled to begin at 15:30, with doors opening at 15:00. Tickets grant access not only to the talk but also to the full range of exhibitions currently on view at Kunsthal Rotterdam. Reduced admission is available for students and passholders.

Highlights of the exhibition

Central to Yang’s artistic practice is the transformation of mundane materials into poetic and thought-provoking installations. Objects such as Venetian blinds, bells, and fans are reimagined to create immersive environments. Her works are celebrated for their ability to weave complex narratives, connecting personal histories with larger societal themes.

Leap Year features several key works from Yang’s career, including some of her iconic installations inspired by folk art and cultural symbolism. Visitors can expect an engaging sensory journey as Yang blends traditional and modern artistic influences, challenging perceptions of materiality and meaning.

About Haegue Yang

Haegue Yang has established herself as one of the leading figures in contemporary art, with a career that spans multiple mediums including sculpture, photography, video, and sound art. Born in Seoul in 1971, she has exhibited internationally, with her works appearing at prestigious institutions such as the Tate Modern in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Yang’s art often addresses themes of displacement, alienation, and belonging, reflecting her experiences of living and working across different cultural contexts. Her innovative approach to materials and her ability to imbue everyday objects with profound significance have earned her widespread recognition.

An international collaboration

The exhibition at Kunsthal Rotterdam is part of a collaborative effort with London’s Hayward Gallery and Zurich’s Migros Museum. By bringing together Yang’s most significant works, Leap Year offers Dutch audiences a comprehensive insight into her artistic journey and the themes that drive her practice.

Visiting Kunsthal Rotterdam

The exhibition will take place in Hall 2 of Kunsthal Rotterdam, situated in the heart of Museumpark. The museum’s central location makes it easily accessible by public transport, with the Eendrachtsplein metro station nearby. For those driving, parking is available at Museumpark Garage.

The Museumpark area is also home to other cultural institutions, making it an ideal destination for a full day of art and exploration.