Exhibitions - RotterdamStyle.com

Art Rotterdam - discover (and buy) amazing contemporary art

Bryan van Putten Exhibitions 26 February 2025

HAPPENING 28–30 March 2025 | 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 2025

In 2025, Art Rotterdam relocates to Rotterdam Ahoy, offering exhibitors and visitors a significantly larger space. The new location enables the return of sections that had previously been scaled back due to space limitations, such as Sculpture Park, Intersections, and the video section Projections.

Alongside traditional gallery presentations, the fair will feature five curated sections:

Prospects, a Mondriaan Fund exhibition showcasing works by 116 emerging artists.
Projections, a 800 m² darkened space displaying twelve large-scale video works.
Intersections, featuring installations by galleries and non-profits.
New Art Section, where international galleries present solo exhibitions of innovative artists.
Sculpture Park, a 300 m² open space displaying large sculptural works.

Art Rotterdam 2025 is scheduled to take place from Friday, 28 March to Sunday, 30 March 2025, with an opening event on Thursday, 27 March. This 26th edition marks a significant change, as the event will be held at a new venue: Rotterdam Ahoy.

Opening Times:

Friday, 28 March: 11:00 – 19:00
Saturday, 29 March: 11:00 – 19:00
Sunday, 30 March: 11:00 – 19:00

Tickets will be available online starting January 2025. Pricing is as follows:

Regular Ticket: €22.50
Off-Peak Ticket (valid daily from 15:30 – 19:00): €16.50
Student Ticket: €14.50
Children up to 12 years: Free entrance

For more information and updates, you can visit the official Art Rotterdam website.

DHB Bank as main sponsor and a special sound art project

DHB Bank has joined as Art Rotterdam’s main sponsor. In the DHB Art Space, the Rotterdam-based collective Unity in Diversity Rotterdam (UID) presents the interactive sound artwork Echoes of Us, by media artist Pedro Gil Farias. This work reflects on the aspirations of Rotterdam-Zuid residents and invites visitors to share their own visions for the future.

Notable artists and installations

Among the highlights of this edition are:

Diana Scherer – Interwoven (Intersections): A bio-technological artwork that explores organic textile growth.
Mercedes Azpilicueta – The Dancing Tables (New Art Section): A performance and sculptural installation exploring spiritualism.
Jonas Brinker – Untitled (25.07.2022, 02:14 AM) (Projections): A video work depicting a dragonfly on Times Square.
Atelier Van Lieshout – Tomb of the Unknown Artist (Sculpture Park): A sculptural tribute to artists whose work remains unrecognised.

Talks Programme: Reflections

The Reflections programme introduces an expanded schedule of lectures, Q&A sessions, and interactive presentations. Artists, museum directors, curators, and art professionals will discuss contemporary issues in the art world.

Highlights from the Reflections programme:

Q&A with art historian Meta Knol, featuring Tjebbe Beekman, Diana Scherer, and Laurien Dumbar, discussing pivotal moments in their artistic careers.
Lecture by Heske ten Cate and Laurie Cluitmans on the Centraal Museum exhibition Good Mom/Bad Mom, which explores motherhood myths and personal reflections by contemporary artists.
Interview with artist Hans van der Ham, led by art editor Lucette ter Borg, discussing his work and curatorial approach.
Panel discussion on cultural transitions, with curator Fatoş Üstek and social architect Rubiah Balsem, examining the future of institutional practices in the arts.
Get a Grant event by the Mondriaan Fund, offering guidance for emerging artists on funding opportunities.
Talk by Fenix museum director Anne Kremers on Rotterdam’s new migration-focused art museum, opening in May 2025.

The Reflections programme is part of Intersections and is free for visitors during the fair. On Friday, 28 March, the programme will focus on students and art professionals.

NN Art Award 2025 returns to Kunsthal Rotterdam

The NN Art Award, now in its ninth edition, recognises talented artists who have studied in the Netherlands and are exhibiting at Art Rotterdam. The winner will be announced at Kunsthal Rotterdam on Friday, 28 March, with all nominees' works on display from 15 March to 11 May.

The four nominees for the NN Art Award 2025 are:

Bodil Ouédraogo (Prospects) – sculptures created from 3D-printed PLA, aluminium, and crystal, in collaboration with professional studios.
Pris Roos (Mini Galerie) – a series of drawings exploring identity, migration, and memory, accompanied by large cardboard installations.
Marcos Kueh (Prospects, courtesy of Galerie Ron Mandos) – woven installations connecting heritage and contemporary narratives.
Diana Scherer (andriesse eyck galerie) – works from Interwoven, a project examining the domestication of plant root systems.

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: Rotterdam Ahoy

Rotterdam Ahoy is situated in the south of the city and is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, and car. It is located near Zuidplein metro station, with direct connections to Rotterdam Central Station.

Kunsthal presents Lebensborn by Angeniet Berkers

Bryan van Putten Exhibitions 20 February 2025

From 28 March to 13 July 2025 | Lebensborn, a new exhibition at Kunsthal Rotterdam, explores the Nazi Lebensborn programme through the lens of photographer Angeniet Berkers. The exhibition, running from 28 March to 13 July 2025, examines the personal impact of this history through photography, archival materials, and interviews.

_{Image: A teddy bear from a Lebensborn home. Washington DC, USA, July 2023 © Angeniet Berkers}

Kunsthal Rotterdam hosts Lebensborn by Angeniet Berkers

Kunsthal Rotterdam will present Lebensborn, a documentary photography exhibition by Angeniet Berkers, as part of the Dutch 80 Years of Freedom commemorations. The exhibition, running from 28 March to 13 July 2025, investigates the Nazi Lebensborn programme, which sought to increase the number of ‘Aryan’ children born under the Third Reich.

Berkers, a Rotterdam-based photographer, spent five years researching this subject, culminating in the book Lebensborn. Birth Politics of the Third Reich. The exhibition presents her findings through photographs, historical documents, and personal testimonies, highlighting the programme's impact on individuals who lived through it.

Personal stories from the Lebensborn programme

The exhibition focuses on the stories of three individuals—Gisela, Michael, and Ingrid—who were directly affected by the Lebensborn programme and are now in their eighties. Their experiences provide insight into the lasting consequences of the programme, including the secrecy and stigma surrounding their origins.

During her research, Berkers encountered objects and documents that illustrate how Nazi ideology shaped the Lebensborn homes. Among the artefacts on display are measuring instruments used to assess ‘Aryan’ ancestry. Berkers also photographed former Lebensborn sites, which have since been repurposed but remain historical markers of a dark past.

The Lebensborn programme: a historical overview

Initiated in 1935, the Lebensborn (Source of Life) programme was designed to provide the Nazi regime with a new generation of leaders. Under Heinrich Himmler’s direction, the initiative encouraged childbirth among women who met the so-called ‘Aryan’ criteria. To counter declining birth rates, the Nazi government restricted access to birth control and abortion while offering financial incentives for families with multiple children.

Lebensborn homes were established across Europe, offering a place for women—married or unmarried—to give birth to children deemed racially desirable. When the programme failed to meet its targets, the Nazis began kidnapping children from Eastern Europe, particularly those with blonde hair and blue eyes, and forcibly ‘Germanising’ them. Many of these children faced post-war discrimination and struggled with their identities due to the secrecy surrounding their pasts.

About Angeniet Berkers

Angeniet Berkers (b. 1985) is a Rotterdam-based photographer with a background in social work. She studied at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and has worked with veterans, refugees, and young people with psychiatric conditions. Her photography often explores sensitive and complex social issues, aiming to present them in an honest and nuanced way.

Her research on Lebensborn is published in the book Lebensborn. Birth Politics of the Third Reich, which is available at the Kunsthal Shop and Kunsthal Webshop.

Visiting Kunsthal Rotterdam

Kunsthal Rotterdam is located in the Museumpark, a central cultural hub in the city. The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with nearby tram and metro connections. Visitors arriving by car can find parking at Museumpark garage.

NN Art Award 2025 nominees exhibit at Kunsthal Rotterdam

Bryan van Putten Exhibitions 18 February 2025

15 March–11 May 2025 | Kunsthal Rotterdam will showcase works by the four nominees for the NN Art Award 2025 from 15 March to 11 May. The annual award recognises artists trained in the Netherlands who demonstrate originality and innovation.

_{Image: From left to right: Bodil Ouédraogo, Baoulé torso with artist hand (2023, Prospects); Pris Roos, DJ-Lovesupreme (2025, Mini Galerie); Marcos Kueh, Kenyalangcircus: Reconciliation (2024, Prospects, Courtesy Galerie Ron Mandos); Diana Scherer, Hyper Rhizome #7-3 (2024, Andriesse Eyck gallery).}

Exhibition presents four finalists' work

Kunsthal Rotterdam will display works by the four finalists of the NN Art Award 2025, an annual prize highlighting emerging talent in the Dutch art scene. The selected artists are Diana Scherer (Andriesse Eyck Galerie), Marcos Kueh (Prospects section of the Mondriaan Fund, courtesy of Galerie Ron Mandos), Pris Roos (Mini Galerie), and Bodil Ouédraogo (Prospects section of the Mondriaan Fund).

The award is granted to an artist who has completed their training in the Netherlands and presents their work at Art Rotterdam, taking place from 28 to 30 March at Rotterdam Ahoy. The winner will be announced on the evening of 28 March at Kunsthal Rotterdam and will receive financial support to further develop their artistic practice.

Selection process and jury

This year, more than forty entries were reviewed by a jury composed of experts from various disciplines in the art world. The panel includes Marianne Splint (general director of Kunsthal Rotterdam), Peim van der Sloot (artist and NN Art Award 2024 winner), Nadine van den Bosch (co-founder and director of Young Collectors Circle, curator, and writer), Miluska van 't Lam (editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar), and Maartje de Roy van Zuydewijn (curator of the NN Art Collection).

Meet the finalists

Diana Scherer (Lauingen, Germany, 1971)

Diana Scherer’s work intersects biotechnology, botany, material research, textiles, and sculpture. She explores the complex relationship between humans and nature, focusing on the human tendency to control and manipulate the environment.

Marcos Kueh (Sarawak, Malaysia, 1995)

Malaysian artist Marcos Kueh, who is partially based in the Netherlands, incorporates traditional weaving techniques into contemporary storytelling. His large-scale woven pieces connect past and present, preserving heritage through textile art. In 2024, he received a grant from the Mondriaan Fund, enabling him to refine his craft.

Pris Roos (Rhenen, 1984)

Pris Roos, an artist, curator, and researcher, draws inspiration from her upbringing in a family-run toko (Indonesian grocery store). Her work explores themes of identity, migration, and memory, reflecting on cultural heritage and personal history.

Bodil Ouédraogo (Amsterdam, 1995)

Bodil Ouédraogo's work focuses on identity and ancestral connections. She examines how the self is shaped by history and cultural inheritance, translating these themes into visual and material expressions.

Visiting the exhibition

The exhibition will be open at Kunsthal Rotterdam from 15 March to 11 May 2025, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with contemporary art and explore the works of these emerging talents.

How to get to Kunsthal Rotterdam

Kunsthal Rotterdam is located in the Museumpark, a cultural hub that includes several prominent museums and institutions. The area is easily accessible by public transport, with trams and buses stopping nearby. For those arriving by car, parking is available at Museumpark Garage.

Anansi the Spider exhibition at Kunsthal Rotterdam

Bryan van Putten Exhibitions 20 February 2025

From 22 February to 29 June 2025 | Anansi the Spider, the clever trickster of West African folklore, takes centre stage at Kunsthal Rotterdam. This family-friendly exhibition showcases vibrant illustrations, interactive activities, and the cultural journey of Anansi’s tales through history.

Anansi the Spider at Kunsthal Rotterdam

From 22 February to 29 June 2025, Kunsthal Rotterdam presents Anansi the Spider, an exhibition dedicated to the well-known folktale character. Originating from West Africa and passed down through generations in the Caribbean, Suriname, and the Netherlands, Anansi’s stories highlight themes of cleverness and resilience. The exhibition in Hall 7 features illustrations from the picture books of writer Iven Cudogham, created by MoldyByrd Studio, alongside interactive elements for children and families.

A playful and interactive experience

The exhibition introduces visitors to Anansi’s world through games, puzzles, and creative activities. Children can participate in a memory game, a treasure hunt, interactive storytelling, and a drawing competition. The colourful illustrations, inspired by traditional African textiles and clothing, bring the stories to life. Food also plays a role in Anansi’s adventures, depicted in illustrations featuring tropical fruits and Surinamese cuisine.

The legacy of Anansi's stories

Anansi’s tales have been passed down for centuries, not only as entertainment but also as a way to teach language and values. During the transatlantic slave trade, the stories travelled to the Caribbean and Suriname, where they were secretly preserved by enslaved people. In the 20th century, they made their way to the Netherlands, where they gained popularity in written form. The exhibition includes historical Anansi publications, such as works by Johan Ferrier, Suriname’s first president and a well-known storyteller.

About Iven Cudogham

Iven Cudogham, originally from Paramaribo, Suriname, is a storyteller and author of a popular series of Anansi picture books. His work, aimed at young readers, captures the wit and wisdom of the legendary spider. Since 2021, Cudogham has also been involved in literacy programmes for primary schools. His book Anansi de spin – Sterker dan Olifant (Anansi the Spider – Stronger than Elephant) was featured in the Dutch Kinderboekenweek (national children’s book week) in 2022. With over 130,000 copies sold, his books have introduced many children to the legendary trickster. The stories have also been adapted for the stage, and plans for a feature film are in development.

Exhibition location and directions

The exhibition is hosted at Kunsthal Rotterdam, located in Museumpark, a cultural hub near the city centre. Easily accessible by tram, metro, and bike, the area is home to several major museums and green spaces, making it a great destination for a day out.

Featured

Crafting New Narratives: a new addition to Kruispunt Rotterdam

Bryan van Putten Exhibitions 14 February 2025

Art
Handmade

FROM 1 MARCH 2025 | Wereldmuseum Rotterdam expands its Kruispunt Rotterdam exhibition with a new section, Crafting New Narratives, opening on 1 March. The expansion introduces four contemporary artists whose works explore identity, heritage, and craftsmanship in a changing world.

_{Photo credit: Roel van Tour}

New gallery Crafting New Narratives opens at Wereldmuseum

From 1 March, Wereldmuseum Rotterdam will expand its ongoing exhibition Kruispunt Rotterdam with the addition of Crafting New Narratives, a newly created gallery featuring four contemporary artists. The exhibition highlights new perspectives on heritage, craftsmanship, and migration, demonstrating how historical narratives continue to evolve.

The new works by artists Amy Suo Wu, Hatutamelen, Chequita Nahar, and Funda Baysal are presented as part of Kruispunt Rotterdam, a collection that explores craftsmanship across time and geography. The exhibition aims to show how objects, materials, and artistic traditions are connected across cultures. Each artist’s work engages with themes of identity, cultural legacy, and the reinterpretation of traditional crafts.

Contemporary artists bring new perspectives

Each of the featured artists in Crafting New Narratives merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary art forms to tell stories rooted in cultural heritage and personal experience.

Amy Suo Wu incorporates textiles and traditional handcraft techniques to explore intergenerational trauma and healing.
Hatutamelen revisits Moluccan wood carving, giving traditional motifs a contemporary interpretation.
Chequita Nahar works with Surinamese crafting traditions, embedding storytelling into her jewellery and art objects.
Funda Baysal integrates ceramics with digital techniques, transforming sound and movement into tangible forms.

Together, their works highlight the enduring significance of craftsmanship as a means of storytelling, transformation, and reinterpretation.

The role of craftsmanship in Wereldmuseum’s collection

Craftsmanship has long played a central role in cultures worldwide, and the collection at Wereldmuseum Rotterdam reflects this deeply rooted tradition. The artefacts on display, originating from different regions and time periods, share a common thread: each was created by a maker—whether centuries ago or in recent history.

Maken (craftsmanship) serves as a means of expressing ideas, emotions, and cultural identity, fostering a sense of community and continuity. Whether through preserving traditions, passing down knowledge, or leaving behind a legacy, crafting is an integral part of cultural history. Crafting New Narratives builds upon this theme, exploring the creative practices embedded in the museum’s collection. While the identities of many historical makers remain unknown, their craftsmanship and artistic signatures remain visible in the details of their work.

Rotterdam as a crossroads of cultures

Kruispunt Rotterdam continues to explore how contemporary artists draw upon historical craftsmanship, creative traditions, and knowledge represented in the Wereldmuseum collection. Through their interpretations, new connections emerge between the city, its diverse communities, and the global influences that shape them. With the addition of Crafting New Narratives, the exhibition remains a dynamic space that reflects Rotterdam’s cultural diversity and evolving artistic landscape.

Location and directions

Wereldmuseum Rotterdam is centrally located along the Maas, near the Erasmus Bridge. The museum is easily accessible by tram, metro, and bike, with parking available nearby. Visitors can explore Kruispunt Rotterdam and its new gallery Crafting New Narratives from 1 March.