UNTIL 30 March 2025 | Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen has extended its popular exhibition ‘Lievelingen’ until March 2025. The exhibition, hosted at the Depot, allows the public to enjoy a variety of masterpieces selected by visitors themselves.

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam is currently showcasing Lievelingen, an exhibition that offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore 80 beloved works from the museum’s vast collection. Running until 30 March 2025 at the museum’s Depot, this collection provides insight into the museum’s history of painting and sculpture. What sets this exhibition apart is the fact that the selection was guided by public input, making it a reflection of popular favourites.

Lievelingen XL: large-scale artworks

In addition to the main exhibition, Lievelingen XL presents 14 large-format works. This selection, on view until 24 November 2024, includes significant pieces such as Mark Rothko’s Grey, Orange on Maroon, No 8 and Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room – Phalli’s Field (Floor Show). The immersive experience of these oversized works brings contemporary art to life for visitors in a particularly engaging way.

Celebrating the museum’s 175th anniversary

Lievelingen forms part of Boijmans Van Beuningen’s 175th anniversary celebration. Although the museum’s main building has been undergoing renovation for over five years, 70 key paintings from its collection are still on display at the Depot. Highlights include Jacob van Ruisdael’s Het korenveld, a significant acquisition from the museum’s early years, and Pieter Bruegel’s De toren van Babel, which was added to the collection in 1958.

In addition to these, other significant acquisitions over the years include Rembrandt’s Titus aan de lezenaar and René Magritte’s La reproduction interdite. Both of these works have remained consistently popular with visitors and play an important role in the museum’s collection.

Design, prints, and other works on display

Boijmans Van Beuningen’s collection extends beyond paintings. The Depot’s atrium showcases pieces from the museum’s design and decorative arts collection, while its works on paper, including prints and photographs, can be viewed upon request. Due to their fragile nature, these works are stored in a special viewing area. Visitors can also access the museum’s collection of film and video works in a dedicated space, offering an intriguing look into moving image art.

An innovative display approach

Unlike traditional exhibitions, Lievelingen employs ‘glass easels’ designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi, allowing viewers to see both the front and back of each painting. The reverse side of many works reveals important historical details, including old labels and seals, shedding light on previous owners and past exhibitions. This design choice offers a unique glimpse into the stories behind each piece.

New public favourites join Lievelingen

The Lievelingen exhibition, which has been running since early 2024, was recently refreshed with new pieces in October. Among the latest additions are Bertha Wegmann’s Bosvarens and Henriette Ronner-Knip’s Spelende katjes, a work that has quickly become a visitor favourite. This reflects the exhibition’s dynamic nature, as it continues to evolve in response to public interest.

Wegmann’s Bosvarens, acquired this year at TEFAF Maastricht, invites viewers to explore its subtle details, including a hat nestled among ferns, adding an air of mystery to the painting. Meanwhile, Ronner-Knip’s Spelende katjes has charmed visitors with its depiction of kittens in an elegant interior, a theme for which the artist was widely celebrated.

Directions to the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen

The exhibition is held at the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, located in Rotterdam’s Museumpark. The area is accessible by public transport, including tram and metro connections. The Depot is situated within walking distance from Rotterdam Centraal Station, making it an easy destination for both local and international visitors.

HAPPENING 17 September — 17 October 2024 | A new photo exhibition has opened in Rotterdam, highlighting the need for more accessible hospitality spaces. The initiative, led by foundation De Zonnebloem, aims to spark conversation about creating inclusive environments for all.

Photo exhibition in Rotterdam highlights need for accessible hospitality

The national foundation De Zonnebloem has launched a photo exhibition in Rotterdam, titled Samen Onbeperkt Vooruit (Together Unrestricted Forward), with a clear message: there is still much to be done to make hospitality venues fully accessible for everyone. The exhibition features the work of photographer Linelle Deunk and portrays the daily experiences of 19 individuals with physical disabilities. The display aims to raise awareness about the barriers faced by many, such as inaccessible toilets, narrow doorways, and obstacles in public venues. The exhibition was officially opened on 17 September at the Kruisplein, Rotterdam.

The launch of the exhibition coincides with the association’s 75th anniversary. Developed in collaboration with the foundation Open mind, the photographs not only capture personal stories but also highlight the need for a society where everyone can participate equally. The city of Rotterdam, which has been working on improving accessibility in various sectors, including hospitality, serves as a fitting location for the exhibition’s latest showing.

Rotterdam's commitment to accessible hospitality

Rotterdam was chosen as the host city due to the upcoming Gastvrij Rotterdam hospitality fair. According to research by De Zonnebloem, more than half of people with physical disabilities visit a hospitality venue at least once a month, which is 20% less than the general Dutch population. The reasons cited for this include the lack of accessible toilets, heavy entrance doors, and steps at entryways that block access. These barriers often lead to social isolation, with people opting to stay at home instead of visiting public venues.

Marc Damen, director of De Zonnebloem, expressed his satisfaction with the exhibition being shown in Rotterdam. “For 75 years, De Zonnebloem has believed that people with physical disabilities should be able to participate in society without hindrance. Living together means listening to each other. It’s fantastic to see that the hospitality sector in Rotterdam is listening and not making decisions for people with disabilities, but rather with them.”

Ulrich Zafferio Oron, one of the individuals featured in the exhibition, commented: “Almost everything is designed from a standing person’s perspective. Even if there is an adapted toilet, the mirror is often still placed at standing height. Listening not only helps me, but also others. I may have issues with my legs, but my brain is fine, so I’d like to contribute ideas about wheelchair-friendly adjustments. This benefits both me and the hospitality venues.”

Accessibility in Rotterdam's venues

Ton Wesselink, director of SS Rotterdam, shared his perspective on improving accessibility at his venue: “The SS Rotterdam is not fully accessible for wheelchair users. It wasn’t designed for that, but we want to be as hospitable as possible. We do this by involving people with disabilities in the development process. Together, we are making our ship, restaurants, and hotel more accessible.”

Another participant in the exhibition, Clifford Nigel Thomas, spoke about his experiences with treatment in public spaces. “I find it important to raise awareness about how we are treated. As a child, I was not treated any differently. But when I went to vocational school, I realised that my physical disability was an issue for others. People didn’t know how to approach me. They’d ask my mother questions, but she would say: ‘Ask him yourself.’ The same applies to restaurants – speak to me directly. Sometimes, I don’t even get a menu.”

The exhibition’s impact

The Samen Onbeperkt Vooruit exhibition features portraits of 19 individuals, each accompanied by their personal stories. The project offers visitors a chance to understand the real-life challenges that people with physical disabilities face. Having already toured cities such as The Hague, Hardenberg, and Utrecht, the exhibition will now be on display in Rotterdam at Kruisplein for the next three weeks. De Zonnebloem’s collaboration with Open mind seeks to encourage understanding and open dialogue on the topic of accessibility.

Mirjam Bekker-Stoop, director of Open mind, stated: “It’s crucial that these stories are heard across the Netherlands. Awareness leads to understanding, and we hope this understanding will encourage open discussions and a collective drive for a more accessible society.”

How to get there

The Samen Onbeperkt Vooruit exhibition is located at Kruisplein, a well-known area in central Rotterdam. The location is easily accessible by public transport, including trams and buses, and is a short walk from Rotterdam Centraal Station. The area is also well connected to major roads and features ample parking nearby, although visitors are encouraged to use public transport to reduce congestion.

HAPPENING 1–31 October 2024 | October marks the return of the Month of History (Maand van de Geschiedenis) across the Netherlands, with the theme 'Real Fake' ('Echt Nep'). Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions across Zuid-Holland will host activities that explore historical events and figures, some right here in Rotterdam.

From exhibitions on birdwatchers to the role of the Dutch state in the opium trade, there is something for everyone interested in the past this October.

Exploring history in Zuid-Holland

The Month of History, the largest historical event in the Netherlands, will take place throughout October 2024. Across Zuid-Holland, museums, libraries, and cultural institutions will host a range of events aimed at exploring the theme 'Real Fake.' The programme features exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and more.

Rediscovering a forgotten museum

The Mauritshuis in The Hague will present a special exhibition called The Vanished Museum. This temporary display brings back the Royal Cabinet of Rarities (Koninklijk Kabinet van Zeldzaamheden), a collection of thousands of objects that were once part of a now-defunct museum. The exhibition runs from 29 September to 31 October and invites visitors to reflect on the authenticity and stories behind the objects.

Exhibition on birdwatchers in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, the Natural History Museum (Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam) will showcase an exhibition called Passion for Birds, focusing on the dedication of early birdwatchers. The display challenges the misconception that birdwatching was dominated by men, noting that the earliest members of the Dutch Society for the Protection of Birds were mostly women. The exhibition will run from 29 September to 31 October.

Rotterdam’s role in the opium trade

Another notable exhibition in Rotterdam is taking place at the Tax and Customs Museum (Belasting & Douanemuseum). The display, Opium: The State as Dealer, examines the role of the Dutch state in the historical opium trade, including its establishment of an opium factory in Batavia. The exhibition runs from 19 to 31 October and offers insight into a lesser-known chapter of Dutch history.

Drugs Monologues at Poppi Drugs Museum

On 28 October, Rotterdam’s Poppi Drugs Museum will host a talk show, Drugs Monologues, which will share personal stories about drug use and drug policy in the Netherlands. Organised in partnership with the Open University, this event contrasts the historical fears surrounding drugs with real-life experiences.

Directions to the Natural History Museum

For those planning to visit the Passion for Birds exhibition in Rotterdam, the Natural History Museum is located at Westzeedijk 345, near the Museumpark. This central location is easily accessible by tram and is a short walk from the nearby Kunsthal and the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. 

HAPPENING 11 October 2024 –  31 August 2025 | The Wereldmuseum Rotterdam will host an exhibition titled 'Made in China,' exploring the historical and contemporary aspects of China's craftsmanship. The exhibition aims to reflect on the essence of making as an inherent human trait.

Exhibition on China's craftsmanship at Wereldmuseum

Starting 11 October 2024, the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam will present the exhibition 'Made in China.' This exhibition aims to explore the history and present state of Chinese craftsmanship (makerschap). It seeks to highlight the intrinsic connection between making and human nature, showing how people shape and reflect on the world around them.

Exploring Chinese craftsmanship

'Made in China' uses China as a case study to offer a fresh perspective on craftsmanship. The exhibition features a diverse mix of objects, timelines, art, fashion, photographs, and videos, illustrating China's rich and ongoing culture of making. The exhibition will also delve into the varied meanings of 'making' through the works of contemporary artists and designers such as Cao Fei, Susan Fang, Jing He, Ma Ke, Li Xiaofeng, and Yang Yongliang. These creators not only produce but also reflect on different aspects of making in their work.

Historical and modern perspectives

The production and global demand for objects made in China have a long history. The Wereldmuseum's exhibition will showcase various examples of renowned Chinese craftsmanship, techniques, and materials like porcelain, lacquerware, and painting. Contemporary Chinese makers will share personal stories and works that reflect on their world or aim to bring about change. The exhibition also places the art of copying, a well-known aspect of Chinese culture, in a broader historical context. It examines the development of mass production, which began in China over 3,000 years ago, from multiple perspectives.

The significance of 'Made in China'

The label 'Made in China' is the most common in the world. Chinese products, such as silk and porcelain, have been traded for thousands of years. The exhibition will present a timeline of significant milestones and turning points that have influenced Chinese craftsmanship. For instance, a painted earthenware storage jar from 4,500 years ago marks the transition from a hunter-gatherer culture to sedentary farming. Interactive maps will show historical and contemporary trade networks, from the ancient Silk Roads to the current Belt and Road Initiative. Objects found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, produced in China, will tell stories of supply and demand.

This object is a lacquered stationery box from China, dating back to the period between 1661 and 1722. It is part of the collection at the Wereldmuseum, with the reference number RV-1653-1.

Materials and techniques

China's history of making boasts a rich tradition of artisans, artists, and makers who skilfully work with materials such as lacquer, silk, porcelain, jade, and glass. Some materials were historically available only in China, leading to the development of expertise centres. 'Made in China' offers an overview of these specific materials and techniques, as well as centuries-old artistic disciplines such as calligraphy, ink painting, bamboo carving, textile art, and paper cutting. These cultural traditions are cherished and respected, while innovation and reinterpretation by contemporary makers are also highlighted.

Contemporary Chinese makers

Modern Chinese makers respond to the changing world and cultural traditions with their work. Artists, designers, and craftsmen featured in the exhibition show how they address social developments. Fashion designer Ma Ke, for instance, reacts to fast fashion by creating sustainable clothing using traditional materials and techniques. The makers at Yidesign have developed a method to reuse ceramic waste, which China produces in vast quantities annually. Chan Po-Fung creates new jewellery from broken jade bracelets, incorporating the fractures as cherished parts of the designs.

This artwork is a contemporary triptych by Yang Yongliang titled "Phantom Landscape III." Created in China in 2007, it is part of the collection at Wereldmuseum. The piece merges traditional Chinese landscape painting techniques with modern elements, creating an intriguing blend of the past and present.

Mass production

Mass production's history in China predates the Industrial Revolution by thousands of years. As early as the third century BCE, standardised production lines used modular design to efficiently produce large quantities of varied items. A notable example is the thousands of terracotta soldiers of the First Emperor. The exhibition includes life-sized reconstructions made with original materials, techniques, and colours.

However, the history of mass production also involves resource depletion, environmental pollution, and human exploitation. The exhibition invites reflection on who pays the price for cheap production and its impact on people and the environment. Photography by Lu Guang will depict environmental pollution in rural and industrial areas of China, and Cao Fei's video artwork 'Whose Utopia' poetically highlights the human labour behind one of the world's largest lamp manufacturers.

The art of copying

'Made in China' examines the concept of imitation and copying from a Chinese perspective, which traditionally does not distinguish between original and replica, nor attach value judgements to them. There is a long tradition of antiquarianism, where objects are copied not as forgeries, but as tributes to master makers of the past. In Buddhism, making copies is a way to earn merit and improve karma. The exhibition also explores how copying can stimulate innovation and democratise access. Techniques like woodblock printing (mubanshuiyinhua) developed in the last century to produce high-quality reproductions of traditional ink paintings.

Practical information

Address and directions

The 'Made in China' exhibition is open until 31 August 2025 at the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam. The museum is located at Willemskade 25, 3016 DM Rotterdam. It is situated along the Maas River, near the Erasmus Bridge. The area is accessible by public transport, including trams and metro, with the closest station being Leuvehaven.