From 15 February to 9 June 2025 | Kunsthal Rotterdam will soon host The Adventures of Guille and Belinda, a photographic exhibition by Alessandra Sanguinetti. Capturing two decades of life in rural Argentina, this evocative collection offers an intimate glimpse into the complexities of growing up.

Documenting dreams and realities

Kunsthal Rotterdam will feature the work of Alessandra Sanguinetti, a renowned Magnum photographer known for her deeply personal and evocative storytelling through photography. The exhibition, The Adventures of Guille and Belinda, explores the evolving relationship between Guillermina Aranciaga and Belinda Stutz, cousins living on a ranch near Buenos Aires.

Sanguinetti first encountered the girls in 1999 during a chance visit to the rural region. What began as a brief photographic session blossomed into a lifelong project, tracing the dreams, realities, and complexities of their lives over the years. Through her lens, Sanguinetti captures moments of innocence, joy, and hardship, creating a poetic and multi-layered portrayal of their world.

A journey through nearly 50 photographs

The exhibition brings together almost fifty of Sanguinetti’s photographs, each reflecting the girls' transition from childhood to adulthood. Her work juxtaposes moments of playful imagination with the stark realities of rural life, highlighting themes of growth, identity, and resilience. The visual narrative is filled with metaphor and storytelling, drawing viewers into a world that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Sanguinetti’s photography is characterised by its attention to detail and an ability to capture emotion, elevating everyday moments into poignant works of art. The photographs in this series combine staged and candid imagery, showing the girls' interactions with their environment and each other while also exploring their inner lives.

Alessandra Sanguinetti’s legacy

Born in New York in 1968, Alessandra Sanguinetti is a celebrated member of Magnum Photos, a collective of some of the world's most influential photographers. Her work often examines themes of childhood, family, and the passage of time, and her approach blends realism with an almost dreamlike quality. Her portfolio includes numerous critically acclaimed series, but The Adventures of Guille and Belinda remains one of her most iconic and enduring projects.

The series has not only gained widespread recognition for its artistic merit but also serves as an important document of life in rural Argentina, a region often overlooked in global narratives. Sanguinetti's long-term commitment to this project underscores the power of photography to tell deeply human stories.

A must-see at Kunsthal Rotterdam

Located in the Museumpark, Kunsthal Rotterdam is known for hosting diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions. This presentation of The Adventures of Guille and Belinda promises to be a highlight of its 2025 programme, offering visitors a chance to engage with photography that challenges and inspires.

Art lovers and photography enthusiasts in Rotterdam will have the unique opportunity to experience this moving collection, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling through imagery.

Visiting Kunsthal Rotterdam

The exhibition will be displayed in Hall 4 of Kunsthal Rotterdam, which is easily accessible within the city’s Museumpark. The area is a hub for culture and art, surrounded by other landmarks such as the Boijmans Van Beuningen and Het Nieuwe Instituut.

For those travelling by public transport, the Kunsthal is a short walk from the Eendrachtsplein metro station. Visitors arriving by car can find parking at Museumpark Garage nearby.

HAPPENING UNTIL 13 April 2025 | A new exhibition, 'Tuinen van de toekomst,' has opened at Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam, exploring the evolving role of gardens as sanctuaries and spaces for innovation. The exhibit highlights local and global examples, demonstrating how gardens reflect societal ideals and test solutions for pressing challenges.

The future of gardens at Nieuwe Instituut

At Nieuwe Instituut, the exhibition 'Tuinen van de toekomst' (Gardens of the Future) is now open to visitors, offering insights into the history and future of modern gardens. Designed as a conceptual garden, the exhibit is divided into four sections: 'The garden as the world,' 'The politics of the garden,' 'Experimental gardens,' and 'The world as a garden.' Curated by Maria Heinrich and spatial designer Frank Bruggeman, the project examines the evolving relationship between people and gardens while proposing innovative garden models for the future.

Gardens as personal and political spaces

The exhibition illustrates how gardens serve as personal sanctuaries where humans and nature coexist harmoniously. It also delves into how political and commercial agendas have historically influenced gardens. Themes such as urban land use, community gardens as tools for food security, colonial trade in plant species, and the impact of gardening product manufacturers are explored. These narratives prompt visitors to question who owns gardens and how they function within urban spaces.

Gardens as experimental grounds

Beyond being places of retreat, gardens are increasingly seen as experimental spaces for ecological and social innovation. The exhibition showcases gardens integrated into larger ecosystems, highlighting sustainable solutions for biodiversity, equity, and resilience. Featured examples include vertical forests, floating gardens, rooftop greenhouses, food forests, urban farms, and school gardens.

Highlights of the exhibition

'Tuinen van de toekomst' features works from renowned designers and artists, including Roberto Burle Marx, Jamaica Kincaid, Mien Ruys, Piet Oudolf, and Derek Jarman. It also includes contributions from Rotterdam's own archives and sites such as Vreewijk, Getijdenpark Eiland van Brienenoord, Wijktuin Ommoord, Hofbogenpark, and De Nieuwe Tuin. Artist Ada Patterson has created a piece that critiques the colonial connections of gardens and Rotterdam's history, specifically for this exhibition.

The exhibition, originally presented as 'Garden Futures' by Vitra Design Museum in Germany, has been adapted in collaboration with the Nieuwe Instituut, featuring designs from the Italian studio Formafantasma. It will remain on view in Rotterdam until 13 April 2025.

Location and directions

Nieuwe Instituut is centrally located in Rotterdam, making it easily accessible by public transport, bike, or car. Visitors can find it near Museumpark, a vibrant area with other cultural institutions. For precise directions, refer to the map below.

HAPPENING 16 Nov–12 Jan | A unique display of nativity scenes from the private collection of Jo and Maria Smits will soon open at Kunsthal Rotterdam. The exhibition showcases over 100 diverse nativity sets, highlighting how this enduring tradition has been reimagined globally.

Nativity collection 'Midden in de Winternacht' opens at Kunsthal

Rotterdam’s Kunsthal will host the exhibition Midden in de Winternacht, featuring nearly 100 nativity scenes ('kerststallen') from the collection of Jo and Maria Smits. This event will run from 16 November 2024 to 12 January 2025, offering visitors a glimpse into various interpretations of the nativity scene, an iconographic depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ that has been cherished for centuries.

Global depictions of the nativity story

The exhibition includes scenes crafted from materials such as wood, porcelain, and even 3D-printed plastic, demonstrating a wide range of artistic approaches. Each nativity scene depicts Jesus surrounded by Mary, Joseph, shepherds, the three wise men, and an assortment of animals, yet the sets reflect distinct cultural artistry. Among the highlights are a Czech nativity group crafted from corn husks, a Peruvian scene with painted shoes, and a Thai group adorned in traditional silk-like attire.

Materials range from traditional to innovative, with some nativity scenes made from Delft Blue ceramics, rubber ducks, straw, and even an origami-inspired porcelain design. One of the smallest displays measures only four millimetres.

A tradition with roots in the 13th century

The tradition of the nativity scene dates back to 1223 in Italy, where Saint Francis of Assisi presented the first live nativity in Greccio. This visual representation aimed to make the nativity story more accessible to those who could not read. Over the centuries, the tradition evolved into smaller, home-based displays that allowed families to personalise their observance of the Christmas story.

The Smits collection

Jo and Maria Smits amassed their collection over three decades, acquiring nativity sets from markets, online platforms, and through exchanges with friends and acquaintances. With over 1,300 nativity scenes, their collection includes pieces from numerous countries and demonstrates the variety and adaptability of this enduring tradition. Jo Smits, who passed away in early 2024, was a dedicated member of the Association of Friends of the Nativity Scene Netherlands ('Vrienden van de Kerstgroep Nederland').

About Kunsthal Rotterdam

Located in Rotterdam’s Museumpark, Kunsthal Rotterdam is known for its diverse exhibition programme, which includes modern and contemporary art, forgotten cultures, and design. Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, the Kunsthal houses seven exhibition spaces that collectively present around twenty exhibitions annually. The venue has become a central location for cultural engagement in the city, offering a unique journey through various art forms and histories.

Location and directions

Kunsthal Rotterdam is situated in the Museumpark, accessible via public transportation or a short walk from the city centre. The area is known for its architectural landmarks and proximity to other cultural institutions, making it an ideal destination for visitors exploring Rotterdam’s cultural scene.

HAPPENING 23 November 2024–23 March 2025 | A collection of rare Italian drawings from the Renaissance and Baroque eras is now on display in Rotterdam, offering a unique look at works by Italian masters. Visitors have the chance to explore pieces normally held in private collections and archives.

Secrets of Italian drawings revealed in Rotterdam

An exhibition featuring rare Italian drawings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods has opened at Rotterdam’s renowned Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. Titled Secrets of Italian Drawings, the exhibition presents a selection of over 80 pieces, some of which have rarely been exhibited publicly.

The collection includes works by prominent Italian artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, alongside lesser-known but equally skilled masters. Many of these drawings are part of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen’s own collection, which has remained in storage due to museum renovations and is now displayed for the first time in years.

A glimpse into Italy’s artistic heritage

The drawings span various themes, from religious and mythological depictions to studies of human anatomy and nature. Museum officials note that the exhibition provides a special opportunity for visitors to view these delicate works, which are typically kept in carefully controlled storage environments due to their fragility.

Hans Hoogeveen, curator of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, shared his perspective: “These works offer us insight not only into the artistic techniques of the time but also into the cultural and intellectual environment of Italy during these centuries.”

Unique presentation for Rotterdam visitors

The exhibition incorporates modern techniques to enhance visitors' experience, including digital magnification that allows for close examination of the fine lines and intricate details characteristic of Renaissance and Baroque art. The setup is intended to give visitors a fuller understanding of the process behind these drawings, as well as the historical significance of the art form.

The museum encourages those interested in European art history, as well as those simply curious about Italy's cultural past, to visit this exhibition, which is scheduled to run until April 2025.

Admission details

Visitors can view Secrets of Italian Drawings from Tuesday to Sunday. Tickets can be booked online via the museum’s official website or at the museum entrance. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is temporarily hosted at the Depot building (Museumpark 24), due to ongoing renovations.

Location and directions

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is located at Museumpark 24, in the heart of Rotterdam’s cultural district. The area is easily accessible by public transport, with Rotterdam Centraal Station just a short tram or metro ride away. Parking options are available nearby, but visitors are encouraged to use public transportation whenever possible.