From 28 March until 15 June 2025 | Kunsthal Rotterdam will host the first Dutch retrospective of Max Pechstein, a prominent German expressionist artist. The exhibition offers an in-depth look at his art and life.

A pioneering expressionist arrives in Rotterdam

For the first time in the Netherlands, Kunsthal Rotterdam will present a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the work of Max Pechstein (1881–1955), one of the most influential members of the German expressionist movement. Opening on 28 March and running until 15 June 2025, the exhibition features over 50 paintings alongside graphic works, photographs, and personal objects, shedding light on Pechstein’s creative journey.

Max Pechstein’s art is known for its vibrant colours, bold compositions, and an unyielding desire to connect with nature and humanity. A member of the expressionist group Die Brücke (The Bridge), Pechstein played a crucial role in shaping modern art during the early 20th century. His work often reflects the turbulent socio-political landscape of the era, as well as his personal quest for artistic and emotional freedom.

Highlights of the exhibition

Visitors to Kunsthal Rotterdam will experience a rich selection of Pechstein’s works that capture his distinct style and thematic focus. The exhibition explores his fascination with natural landscapes, his use of vivid colour palettes, and his ability to convey human emotion through dynamic compositions.

In addition to his iconic paintings, the exhibition includes graphic works and photographs that provide context to his creative process. Personal items on display offer further insight into the artist’s life, including his responses to the restrictive conditions of Nazi Germany.

One highlight is Pechstein’s depiction of nature and rural life, inspired by his frequent travels and retreats. These works not only reveal his artistic evolution but also reflect his yearning for simplicity and a harmonious connection with the natural world.

The significance of Max Pechstein

Max Pechstein’s influence on modern art is undeniable. As a member of Die Brücke, he helped pioneer a style that broke away from academic traditions, favouring expressive forms and emotive colour. His art captures both the beauty and tragedy of the human experience, offering a vivid snapshot of a world in transition.

This retrospective provides Dutch audiences with a rare opportunity to engage with the work of an artist whose legacy continues to resonate in contemporary art. The exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Institut für Kulturaustausch and the Max Pechstein Museum in Zwickau, ensuring a comprehensive presentation of his oeuvre.

Visiting Kunsthal Rotterdam

Max Pechstein’s retrospective will be displayed in Hall 1 at Kunsthal Rotterdam. The museum is located in the Museumpark, a vibrant cultural area in the heart of Rotterdam. Visitors can easily reach the Kunsthal by public transport, with the Eendrachtsplein metro station nearby, or by car, with parking available at the Museumpark Garage.

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

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.

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 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.