Art & culture – All our local tips

In a traffic busy street in the Old North and near the historic Zwaanshalsstreet, you can find 3xS. The 3 S’s used to stand for the 3 owners but now it’s only Sebastian who runs the place.

He still offers a combined shopping formula in his store: not only shop for clothes, you can visit the art gallery and get your make up done in one go if you wish!

His aim is to distinguish himself from other stores by offering a selection of new brands, vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. (Yet) unknown and new brands by upcoming designers and their own designs are also on sale. Fashionable urban/Street style is the look and choice of clothing you can find here.

Like to customize your chosen piece of garment on the spot? A sewing machine is standby for any small alterations necessary done by the capable hands of Sebastian.

Both art and clothes collections change from time to time.

I like the combination of the whole shop with an array of furniture and lamps giving the interior a cosy look. New finds of furniture are done in a secret place and resold for reasonable prices.

Find Sebastian this Saturday March 6 at the Westelijk Handels Terrein (check the Westelijk Handels Terrein article) where he and his partners will be participating during the Museumnacht (check the Museumnacht article) in Rotterdam. In the space of “Make a Move” Sebastian and Fee Arnold will present old coats in a new design from 20:00 till 01:00.

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3XS/Fashion, Beauty and Art | Art & culture, Shopping | From € 5.00
Zaagmolenstraat 22 | Noord | +31104656275
Tue – Thu 11:00 – 18:00, Fri 12:00 – 21:00, Sat 11:00 – 17:00

During the filmfestival 27 January – 07 February 2010 Japanese production designer/filmset-designer Yohei Taneda, known as the production designer of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 1, has been commissioned by Sculpture International Rotterdam (SIR) to design a temporary facade for the Monisima Cube at Kruiskade 2 in Rotterdam. Can’t miss it when you face the Kruiskade from the Coolsingel.

It’s part of the Sculpture International Rotterdam. I like this kind of art that provokes a smile on your face.

There’s more art in public space if you continue your way to Kruisplein. Cross West Kruiskade towards the Westersingel. Along this canal which is partly a promenade, you will find sculptures from famous artists such as Moore, Rodin, Sapiro amongst many others.

Look for Paul McCarthy’s ´Santa Claus´ at Eendrachtsplein. For several years it was placed at a museum´s courtyard. I guess you can imagine why it offended people in the beginning. Locals call this sculpture Gnome Buttplug

I don´t like David Bade’s sculpture ‘Anita’ which stands in the middle of West Blaak. Do look pass it and you’ll see an amazingly designed skate park. Why not check it out and have a look at the skaters, boarders and bikers doing their tricks?

Continue your way on the Westersingel towards West Zeedijk. At the corner of Museum park you’ll see a large Picasso sculpture.

My favourite sculpture is Guiseppe Penone´s Elevazione, a bronze tree that slowly elevates by nature.

More art in public space.

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Art in the public space | Art & culture, Relaxing
Westersingel 1 | Center
24 hours daily

At the border of Crooswijk and Kralingen you can find a statue of Bep van Klaveren. He was a very famous boxer, born in Rotterdam in 1907 and died in 1992. He earned the nickname The Dutch Windmill, because during boxing he used to move around a lot swinging his arms.

I’m not into boxing and that is not the reason this statue was noticed by me. It has to do with a story my grandfather told me. Van Klaveren used to live in the same street as my grandparents and he was always teasing young girls, so one day my grandfather punched his frigging little nose. I state right away, that I am absolutely not sure if this story is true. Not that I doubt my grandfather being capable of such a thing. Nor do a doubt mister van Klaveren being able of such a thing. (He did got prison time for hitting his wife). It is the fact that he was 15 to 20 years older than my grandparents. I can hardly imagine a grown man teasing little girls and a boy being the solution. Maybe it was his brother who indeed was 20 years younger and boxer too. Or the story is completely made up. My grandfather was some what of a storyteller.

But, Bep van Klaveren still is a famous boxing icon and he has a lot of Dutch fans almost 20 years after he died. On top of that the statue is quite nice with him standing on the Olympic symbol surrounded by a little park.

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Bep van Klaveren | Art & culture | Free
Boezemsingel/Goudse Rijweg | Crooswijk
24 hours daily

I just noticed something special lately here in Rotterdam. New cool places are located at squares. Deliplein, Noordplein, Eendrachtsplein, … feel free to comment:)

Bob Smit is know for his window gallery in the Witte the Withstraat close to the Eendrachtsingel. He is a young enthusiastic artist who works as brand promoter and is always busy, full of ideas and just passionate about art. He recently got a beautiful space at Eendrachtplein 16, where he and his team manage a gallery.

Right now they are showing impressive works of Rotterdam based artist Michel Wieggers and work of young English artist Thoms I’Anson, who is in the Netherlands for his masters at St. Joost. The Michel Wieggers and Thoms I’Anson show can be seen till March 21.Something interesting Bob Smit Gallery strives for is exhibiting a known and a starting artist.

On Friday Night there will be art related film screenings from 19:00 – 22:00 for free.

Check out this new place while you stroll from Central Station to the Witte de Withstraat or the Museum Quarter, while enjoying the art in the public space. Tip Around the corner at the Nieuwe Binnenweg, you’ll find also Delta Gallery (really like Ron van de Ende objects) and Van Krimpen gallery (former director of Kunsthal). Both worth a visit too:)

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Bob Smit Gallery + | Art & culture, Cinemas, Festivals & events, Shopping
Eendrachtsplein 16 | Center | +310108409584
Tue – Sun 12:30 – 19:00, Fri 19:00 – 22:00

Three bridges cross the Maas at Rotterdam. Two of them are in the centre and especially the Erasmus Bridge is quit popular nowadays. I think that has mostly to do with media publicity, trying to make this bridge the mark of Rotterdam. But for me the Brienenoord Bridge is THE mark of Rotterdam.

The bridge was built in 1965 and named after the island below. It was rather slim and transparent for its time, what made it an example for other bridges at the time. The capacity wasn’t sufficient, as the traffic which was crossing it day in and day out. So in 1990 the bridge was doubled.

I remember it being just one bridge. Whenever we would take the car and drive outside Rotterdam for holidays or to visit relatives, my brother and I did this little game. After the contest, who saw the most caravans, we would play ‘Who saw the Brienenoord Bridge first’. So I remember sitting in my fathers car staring outside, in search for the bridge desperately. I knew whenever I saw the bridge, I had not only won the contest… I was home.

These days whenever making a little bike tour around Rotterdam, I always include the bridge. Not only is the length and steepness is a challenge on its own, I love the feeling of riding free-falling downhill. With the wind in my back, my personal record on this bridge is set on 42km/hour. I do suggest to take the bridge from the north to the south if you want to ride down that hill, since at the other side there is this sharp hairpin bend.

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Brienenoordbrug | Art & culture | Free
brienenoordbrug | Zuid
24 hours daily

If it was up to me, I would make an article about every bookstore in Rotterdam I can find. Since I work in a bookstore. I spend most of my salary on books. And I have almost my own privat library. (that’s subjective, I think it isn’t nearly enough, but a lot of friends think I have a library…). Of course there is the biggest bookstore in the Netherlands -Selexyz Donner at the Lijnbaan in Rotterdam – their collection covers about 90% the majority of readers desires. Furthermore there are specialist bookstores like Mystiek for spiritual books and Yendor for comics and graphic novels.

But nothing is more perfect for browsing and relaxed reading than the library. To borrow books, you need to have a membership card. But just sitting inside reading your books on a sofa or couch, that’s absolutely free. And besides books they have magazines, newspapers, a children’s book-playground, a youth corner, computers with Internet access, copy machines,… and a lot more.

I go here sometimes with my son on a Wednesday afternoon. There is someone reading to the children at 14.00. Although he is becoming a little bit too old for that. I also come here now and then, when I have to wait for an appointment. And of course to study the library is a perfect place.

It is a big building that looks like a giant factory. It also contains a theater, a discotheque (for cd-rental), an information desk about Rotterdam and a cafe. Their escalators take you upstairs all the way to the sixth floor giving you a nice view over the centre of Rotterdam. They have a monthly theme and there is always some kind of exhibition going on.

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Centrale Bibliotheek | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Hoogstraat 110 | Center | +31010281611
Mon 13:00 – 20:00, Tue – Fri 10:00 – 20:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00
Wintertime (till May 30th) Sun 13:00 – 17:00

One of the benefits besides getting to know the city by wandering around the Oude Noorden area, is accidentally bumping into interesting shops like Chez Maria. The location Pijnackerplein(square) serves as a nice backdrop with old houses and a ‘music tent’ adding extra flair to the area. It’s no wonder to find Chez Maria here blending so well with the surrounding. Versatile person Maria (Ria) la Rivière started this shop as a way for relaxation. Bearing the (multicutural)locals in mind, she keeps her items affordable for any budget.

With a passion for styling and clothes and hating to throw away good articles, Maria adds new fabrics to customize the selected second hand clothing into new and unique pieces. Her manner of restyling clothes this way, got her a big network of customers who knows where to find Maria and asking her to redo their clothes as well. Locals and people from far and wide visit Maria for her advise and clothing or interior styling tips. Maria’s motto “Second Chance” counts for both clothing and furniture.

Apart from clothes, there’s art from local artists, (mosaic) furniture, fashion magazines from the eighties, shoes, romantic crockery, books and more.
By adding all these items into the shop with a keen sense for interior styling, it has a really nice welcoming vibe and it’s a cosy place to visit and linger around.
The cute little studio in the back of the garden is reserved for those interested in taking sewing classes.

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Chez Maria | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping | from € 7.50
Pijnackerplein 6-B | Noord
Wed – Sat 12:00 – 17:30

When people visit Rotterdam, they will automatically visit an area known as the Oude Haven (Old harbour) due to the Cube houses (check the kubuswoningen article). It’s between Haringvliet and the Wijnhaven.

In a way it’s a shame that a lot of the old Rotterdam was wiped away during WWII and on the other hand we wouldn’t have these contrast-rich areas like the these harbours.

The Old harbour is a peek into the past as it is the oldest harbour in Rotterdam with historic boats. I like the houseboats and the small wharf Koningspoort where people repair their historic boats. This is definitely worth a visit.

While the Oude Haven is lined with lots of cafes and terraces, the Haringvliet which dates from 1590 is a more tranquil area.

The Wijnhaven is divided in the past and present. The once highest building in Europe, the Witte Huis (White House) still stands firmly accompanied with a row of nice old houses. A lot of slim tall buildings with the new Red Apple building dominate this small piece of land on the other side of the Verlengde Willemsbrug. The Red Apple looks crooked and with a reason. The red lines are thinner towards the top as the view gets wider for the happy few. The name has a connection with the past; apples were transported by boat here.

There are plans for another tall building with the emphasis on slim and high. Construction work is never ending so it seems…

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Cityharbours Oude Haven | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Relaxing
Spaansekade | Center
Daily

Last year August there was a Brazilian atmosphere in Rotterdam. The whole month was cramped with exhibitions, lectures and what not about the social and cultural life in Brazil.

The tropical heat from Brazil seemed to also have driven over as last summer was a hot one.

A left over from that month are the murals which were made by 10 Brazilian graffiti artists for a big Graffiti exhibition called R.U.A. They were invited by Caramundo, a non-profit organisation with projects in Latin America.

The murals are around the city center and for some it can be a challenge to find them. There are now about 9 murals left, the one on the NAi building has been removed and i sincerely hope that the rest will remain and be maintained as it gives the city colour and flair to otherwise empty and ugly walls waiting to be vandalized by boring nametags of wanna be graffiti ‘artists’.

One of my favorites is the Guernica inspired mural made by Speto close to central station. Another favorite is the woman on a schoolbuilding almost across this one.
Find them all by yourself or with the aid of this map on the Rua website and note the elaborate details on some of the murals..

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Colourful Murals | Art & culture | Free
Delftsehof | Center
24 hours daily

Rachel van Olm of theater Walhalla and chef Jim de Jong joined forces and opened a tables d’hôtes De jonge De Jong at Deliplein.

A corner building with an original Dutch interiour. It’s like stepping into a Delfs Blue decor. Not so staggering if you know stencil graffity artist Hugo Kaagman decorated the place.

The menu is simple. 3 starters, 3 mains and desserts or a 3 course chef special for only €27,50.

Jim is a young talented chef, who as trainee have had the opportunity to work in the 2nd best kitchen in the world (a place where I ate as a guest once:).

I love Jim’s food as it’s simple. Guess you can call it International French bistro style with a Dutch twist. He works with biological and local products and fresh things from the market and makes original combinations. We ate quinoa with cod, lentils with a sausage of Iberico and a dark chocolate with Bergamot mousse served in a large wine glass on it’s side. The food/wine combination wasn’t perfect, but just tell them and they offer you something else.

They opened last October, but officially mid January 2010. Don’t expect everything to be perfect. Just go, enjoy this special place and tell the staff or chef if they don’t meet your expectations. They all are very helpful and eager to give you an excellent night out.

I hope to be back soon, but next time by watertaxi (check the Watertaxi article) and I’ll go for the Theater Walhalla special!

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De Jonge De Jong | Art & culture, Theaters, Restaurants (French) | 3 course € 27.00
Delistraat 52 | Zuid | +310641374893
Wed – Sun 18:00 – 00:00

In this small pub you can find all kind of people, a reason for me to go there. The vibe is just really nice , even though it can be very crowded inside. This pub is open till late, so you might see the sun come up when you were just going to have one drink!

Since smoking isn’t aloud inside anymore, De Witte Aap has build a permanent terrace with heater on the pavement right in front of the pub. A very smart thing to do I think. Smokers happy, the pub is extended and it always looks as if there are lots of people there.

The coolest thing is the art inside. Every month the pub offers an artist to show’s his of her art here.

The Lonely Planet has voted De Witte Aap the best pub in the world, fair enough.

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De Witte Aap | Art & culture, Bars | Beer € 2.30
Witte de withstraat 78 | Center | +31104149565
Sun – Thu 13:00 – 04:00, Fri – Sat 13:00 – 05:00

I go to the zoo a lot. That is not very surprising since I have an annual commutation ticket for me and my son. So I go here about once a month with him. And because I can get a discount for every visitor I bring along, I also go with a friend sometimes. The only thing I have never done and what I would like to, is come alone with a drawing book. I try to plan it, but I have seldom the time, and when I do my son comes along anyway.

I like the zoo a lot. They rebuilt a lot of animal homes over the last few years. This means that the change is very big, you do not get to see the animals you like too much, but at least the animals enjoy their stay and since they have to live there, that is the most important thing.

I do not know how populair this news was abroad, but Blijdorp is the zoo with Bokito, the escaped gorilla. Personally I do not visit the apes much. I like to look for feathers. I do not encounter many, but I have collected some birds’ feathers over the years, although I lost a few too (has something to do with cats and they stealing it from my shelves…). And I like to make pictures. I love them in a natural environment, so it is quit a challenge to make pictures without the fences.

Last time I was there I forgot my camara and a monkey caught a mouse, he was trying to kill. My friend was so upset, she ran off with her camara. I still consider it a lost chance. But my search for specialties goes on and on.

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Diergaarde Blijdorp | Art & culture | Age 10 – 64 € 18.00
Blijdorplaan 8 | West | +310104431495
Winter 09:00 – 17:00 daily

Down Town Rotterdam at the Nieuwe Binnenweg you’ll find many unique shops, for example Dorine Christ for Dutch designers shoes (60), Odile Hemmen for wine (92) or Art & Casey for colourful casuals (16H). But I want you to look out for a special Gallery Zigt, for contemporary jewelery at number 107A.

Zigt is located in Rotterdam since 2004. Often I hop in after breakfast at Koekela at number 97A (check the Koekela article).

Its an inspiring place where you can find unique jewelery to crown a special occasion or buy yourself a present. Although it had a beautiful modern interior with a warm atmosphere, the two owners and goldsmiths Myriam Oude Vrielink and Neeltje Huddleston Slater are changing the whole interior and are hoping to finish it soon. I just love how they display the jewelery in an original way, like on bended plates as if they are shoulders or hanging on antique wooden hands that just comes out of the wall.

Zigt sells an interesting contemporary jewelery. Made from unique materials such as porcelain, silicon, paper, felt, but also silver, gold, diamonds and pearls.

With a special event ‘Garnet from Aunt Agaat’ Zigt owners changed old jewelery into a new design, with a great sense of humor or style. In case you ever inherent a piece you don’t like, go talk to Zigt as it’s their passion to change it into a jewel you would love to wear. Apart from this, both Myriam and Neeltje create jewelery sculpted from fine structures, looking delicate and beautiful.

Zigt sell collections of contemporary designers. Like Hester Zagt known for her delicate white ceramic designs inspired by Dutch folklore. Jennifer Hoes who use her own body as mould for her ceramic jewelery. Misun Won’s folds silver as if its origami what makes her big silver rings featherweight. Margreeth Muller’s is known for her special jewelery with moving geometric forms.

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Gallery Zigt | Art & culture, Shopping
Nieuwe Binnenweg 107A | Center | +310104369668
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

This may be the most uncommon entry on the Rotterdam blog, but especially for those non-Dutch visiting Rotterdam, the HEMA is a must visit.

Why? The Netherlands are famous for their Dutch design. However, the majority of those products come with a price-tag and aren’t available beyond exclusive shops. However, being a designer myself, I would like to argue that real Dutch design should be affordable so the majority of people can benefit from good functionality and pleasant aesthetics. This promise is fulfilled by HEMA. They turn everyday products into beautiful things and experiences; with a Dutch twist -and it is damn cheap! If you want to shop presents for those at home, go here.

The HEMA department store is located on Beursplein (metro Beurs) and has multiple stories. Head for the toys department and stationary department (check the postcards and gift paper -it is beautiful) downstairs, personal care and fashion on ground floor. And don’t forget first floor because there you find home decoration and furniture.

Anyhow, just wonder around a bit, but before you leave, go downstairs again and get yourself a rookworst, also known as a HEMA-worst. Or go all the way upstairs for a tompouce -a pastry, traditionally bought at HEMA.

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Hema Rotterdam | Art & culture, Shopping, Snacks | Sandwich rookworst € 2.00
Beursplein 2 | Center
Mon 11:00 – 18:00, Tue – Thu & Sat 09:00 – 18:00, Fri 09:00 – 21:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:30

Sometimes you discover something new at places you have been a thousand times before. I have biked here on the Schiedamse Dijk for years and years. And I walked there across the Walk of Fame, a collection of floor tiles enriched with names, hand- and foot prints of celebrities. I went to the Maritime Museum and the ship The Buffel. But it was only a few months ago I discovered the pedestrian bridge which crossed the Leuvehaven, during an architectural city tour by bike.

It was dark the first time I crossed that bridge. But was amazing nonetheless. Normally you would be at the quayside looking at the boats and water life. Crossing this bridge places you right in the middle of the action. There is also a stop for the Water Taxi, which brings you for a fee over the waters of Rotterdam.

This little secret was right in the middle of the center without me knowing and when I found out at last, I was awestruck. This is a part of the ports and harbours you would not want to miss visiting Rotterdam. It takes you just a little while crossing this bridge, but the sight is spectacular.

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Kraneschipbrug | Art & culture | Free
Kraneschipbrug | Center
24 hours daily

Rotterdam is the homebase of Lastplak, a collective of 9 painters and graffiti-artists. Actually, it is hard to point out their exact spot, as their work can be found anywhere around town. They appear to be the preferred supplier of colorful artwork for the city as any temporary wall or fence is covered in their paintings.

However, I do not actually need to point out the location of their works as a mere introduction to them would prime you to see their art around town. The style of lastplak is diverse, though outspoken.

Check their website for their upcoming performances or recently finished pieces.

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Lastplak | Art & culture | Free
Schouwburgplein | Center
Always

Since November on Friday, Saturday and Sunday creative mother Eleanora and daughter Anastasia open the doors to Lof der Zoetheid.

An AMAZING un-Rotterdam place for breakfast, lunch and sweet things.

They are located at Noordplein 1, next to Kookpunt ~ the shop where you can buy everything for the kitchen.

Some may know Lof der Zoetheid by their original delicious catering, others maybe by their amazing presentation at Kunsthal Kookt. But for those who don’t know them yet, go and experience it! Great hospitality, everything is either home made or purchased at the best places in town.

Eleanora bakes the cakes, pies, sweets and bread. Anastasia the rest. If you doubt what to choose from the menu and you are with two, they offer you a tasting with the soup of the day, different home baked bread, cheeses, cold cuts and side kicks like pumpkin marmelade, onion-cherry – and tomato chili jam and more for only €9,50 a person. Pie with salad, Soup of the day with bread, Beef stew with Leffe and bread. For those who love sweets, try their home made chocolate or their famous cheese cake. Every detail is special at Lof der Zoetheid, the record player, the crockery with Anastasia’s designs, the high tea in a box ~ a great present, the old school furniture, the open kitchen, the special teas.

Be warned!

If you go once and let them spoil you with DELICIOUS food and GREAT coffee, tea, freshly made hot chocolate or home made lemonade and ice tea, you’ll end up finding excuses to go there every weekend.

All I hope for is they open more days in the week;)

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Lof der Zoetheid | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Sweet)
Noordplein 1 | Noord | +31102650070
Fri – Sat 10:00 – 17:30, Sun 10:00 – 17:00

I love the wind, so I love kites.

Just outside of the centre of town you will find Luchtwerk. A shop that is known for their big collection of kites and also a wide range of juggling equipments, yoyo’s, frisbees, aerobies, boomerangs and disc golfs. And if you really want to challenge gravity you can also find one-wheel bikes here.

The enthusiastic staff is very helpful and if you’re only looking for original presents, know that fun shoppers are always welcome.

Why mentioning this shop?

First of all, Luchtwerk is located in a beautiful old street with buildings from the 1917 and big Sycamore trees. It’s an interesting street with a strong and active local community. Who cares about the history, the present and the future of the street; they invite you to come and have a look.

Secondly, it’s a nice neighbourhood to wander around. Opposite Luchtwerk is the the Beatrijsstraat. A side street of the Graaf Florisstraat where the Rotterdam based MVRDV architects built a blue rooftop extension that can’t be missed and is very photogenic!

Thirdly, because Luchtwerk is the best place to buy your kite or boomerang in town and gives you a reason to play in one of the many Parks in Rotterdam or take the train to the beach in Hoek van Holland.

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Luchtwerk | Art & culture, Shopping
Graaf Florisstraat 24 b | West
Wed – Thu 10:00 – 19:00, Fri 11:00 – 20:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

In 1937 they began to build the Maastunnel, which included the moving of the Norsk Sjomannskirke (check the Seaman’s churches article) which is in the park nearby nowadays. The building continued during WWII.

There is a story that while they were officially opening the tunnel at one side, two schoolboys had entered the tunnel at the other side. I would have love to see their faces, when they saw the two boys, before the cutting of the ribbon. This opening was in 1942, and back then it was the first car tunnel in the Netherlands.

Besides a car tunnel there is also a bike tunnel and a pedestrian tunnel. You can go down the escalator with your bike (if not possible, you may request to take you down with the elevator). There you can ride to the other side, where another set of escalators are taking you up again. The tunnel for pedestrians is another stairway down, since you are not allowed to walk in the bike tunnel.

I have been biking here about once a day up and down for five years. When I lived on the south bank and my work my son’s school was on the north bank, we always took the Maastunnel on our way. Next to that have been biking a lot of 17km tours in Rotterdam, where I also took the Maastunnel. Especially in the summertime you are met by a pleasant fresh air, since it is quit cool under sea level.

Going up the escalator with your bike takes some getting used to, but since my son has been doing it since he was five years, I suppose you can manage. As long as you take care to put your back wheel firmly on one stair, you can hold your bike with only the touch of a finger.

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Maastunnel | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Maastunnel | West
24 hours daily (with security)

Witte de Withstraat is the area for culture. Besides Tent (check the Tent article), V2_ (check the V2- article), Blaak10 and Roodkapje there is Mama. Mama is an exhibition space for young artists. The art on display is often daring, provoking and displayed in a fully transformed space. Especially the transformation of the space makes Mama stand out!

I personally remember a beautiful exhibition by Lastplak (check the Lastpak article), a collective of Rotterdam painters. Instead of displaying their paintings, they painted every square centimeter of the exhibition space. Interpreting exhibitions like this makes Mama awesome!

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Mama | Art & culture | Free
Witte de Withstraat 29-31 | Center
Wed – Sun 13:00 – 18:00 & by appointment

Although I do not have much free time, I always intend to go to museums with my son. We both love natural things, so it’s pretty easy to choose one and both be happy. Nevertheless somehow I most of the time end up at the Maritiem Museum. A museum that belongs to Rotterdam just as much as his harbours do.

At the corner of Churchillplein, a white building stands proud next to Leuvehaven, accompanied by the statue of Zadkine (check the Zadkine article) and the Kraneschipbrug. My son likes to go there a lot because of the children’s playground at the roof where a container company is copied in miniature. Children can climb in the hoisting cranes and shuffle containers around. The other floors are filled with at kinds of maritime knowledge, among the the maritime history of Rotterdam itself. What still stayed with me was the gigantic 3d map of Rotterdam, which shows how Rotterdam looks like now and how it looked like in the past. You could even crawl under it. Very impressive.

Most of the time I end up at the Buffel. An old schip that has been restored in its original state and is equipped with dolls and furniture of how life aboard this ship was like. Over the speakers you can here the old sailors talk in there accents and jargon. It is Dutch, but nevertheless it puts an extra ring to it, to get you in the mood of the past. Even if you do not understand.

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Maritiem Museum & Buffel | Art & culture | Museum € 7.50
Leuvehaven 1 | Center | +310104132680
Mon 10:00 – 17:00 (Jul – Aug), Tue – Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 11:00 – 17:00

March 6 there’s a new edition of the annual Museumnacht (”Museum Night”). Museums and galleries and other creative places will be open in the evening and will provide a special program from 20:00 – 02:00.

The idea is to lure people who usually don’t go or don’t have the time to visit a museum and/or gallery with this event. And to attract new visitors to the more unknown museums.

This Saturday is the 10th Museumnacht and worth a celebration with an even more special program according to the website. This year’s theme is XL XS. Curious yet?

Knowing the event, it’s very extensive and diverse and it will appeal the young and old among us. It’s an impossible task to try visit every location but a challenge every year.

There will be other happenings too:

Mayor Aboutaleb will reveal a new statue “Cascade”, made by Atelier Van Lieshout, at the intersection of Churchillplein at 8.30pm. I’m very curious about it as AVL has a certain reputation of interpreting ideas into shapes.

The opening of De Machinist, Delfshaven at 4pm – 1am with live music, tours, etc. A former Marine Engineering school now turned into a new breeding space for cultural activities and entrepreneurs.

At Meent 119-133, artist collective Roodkapje will run the project ROT(T)TERDAM untill 2011 and the building will be part for a new kind of city office designed by architect Rem Koolhaas.

If you make use of the special Museumnacht Bus and Boat, be ready for surprising performances underway…

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Museumnacht/Museum night | Art & culture, Festivals & events | Presale ticket € 12.00
Meent 119 | Center
March 6th 20:00 – 02:00

Through one of my projects (for housing corporation PWS) I was involved designing a bike route in the old north part of town and I am allowed to publish it here what makes Spotted by Locals got the primeur.

Old North is known as a lively dynamic neighbourhood, with old characteristic houses, cosy squares, small cultural initiatives and a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants.

If you are interested in architecture and city development or like to see the city from a different angle then rent a bike at Use-IT (Schaatsbaan 41-45) and go for it.

Take a map and draw the route or feel free to contact me. If I have time I can give you a tour or can sent you some background information on what you will meet on this route.

Start at Central Station > Weena > Teilingerstraat > Vijverhofstraat (Hofbogen and Vrouwe Groehnevelt’s Liefdesgesticht) > Eudokiaplein (Station Bergweg) > Noordsingel – South > cross bridge (Teilingestraat) to Noordsingel – North > continue on your right hand you’ll find the jail > Burgemeester Roosstraat > Zwart Jansstraat (shops) > Bergweg > Gerard Scholtenstraat (look for coloured houses) > Bloklandstraat (Schoonoord garden) > Benthuizerstraat.

Coffee break at Nika, corner Zaagmolenstraat.

Pijnackerplein > 1e Pijnackerstraat (120B Branco restaurant and opposite shop), Gerard Scholtenstraat (37B Mevrouw Meijer restaurant, one of my favourites), (look for Renia’s name at Brancoplein;) > Woelwijkstraat (typical ‘70/’80 renovated houses) > Zwaanshals (go North direction) > Wolstraat > Loofdakstraat > Zwaanshalskade (good view on Crooswijk) > Zaagmolenkade (check out Rotabs!) > Woelwijkstraat > Zwaanshals (go South direction towards Kookpunt shop).

Lunchbreak or coffee at Lof der Zoetheid (check the Lof der Zoetheid article) at Noordplein 1.

Heer Bokelweg > Hofdijk (nickname Small Volendam) > Katshoek (Hofbogen) > Teilingerstraat/Zomerhofkwartier > direction Central Station.

Let me know if it was interesting.

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Old North bike tour | Art & culture, Relaxing
Do it yourself anytime | Noord
24 hours daily

Squeezed between three waters; the Noordsingel from 1862, the river Rotte and the Noorderkanaal, there are two small areas in the northern part close to the centre. Locals tend to gather them both under Het Oude Noorden (the Old North).
Despite a certain reputation and called a ‘hotspot’ (not a good thing here), I have lived many happy years in this buzzing multicultural area which is definately worth a visit.

A little historical introduction:
The Old North used to belong to a ‘manor’ till the 19th century. The ‘manor’ has a special Dutch name which is ‘ambachtsheerlijkheid’. This means that either some nobility or a city has ownership of a certain territory. This doesn’t mean though that they ‘own’ the land, they have only certain rights. It’s a leftover of the feudal system and a way to govern a piece of land.

Historic streets like Zwaanshals already got mentioned in the 16th century and was known as both a small area and the name of a house (Swaenshals). Two typical houses are turned into a museum where you can have a glimpse of the past.

The Liskwartier (quarter) name comes from Lischwater. What’s left is a small pond nearby. This area has grand houses, lanes and broad streets with the monumental Bergsingel church. Stately Rodenrijselaan, Bergselaan and Bergsingel are just a few streets to wander around for the architecture and the atmosphere. There was a substantial Jewish community here, most of which didn’t survive the concentration camps during WWII. Find the shelter/bunker on the Schiebroekselaan.

Walk around and get surprised

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Oude Noorden/Liskwartierquarters | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Jacob Catsstr.23 | Noord | +31104669383
Museum Wed 12:30 – 17:00 and by appointment

Delfshaven, a very famous and authentic harbour in the Netherlands, had their annual ‘open house days’. And so me and my son ended up at the Pilgrimfather’s Church. This church was originally catholic, but now houses a Christian community, ancestors of the American pilgrims. Their arrival is still celebrated at Thanksgiving Day.

Because of this Catholic origin, the church is more decorated then most Christian churches. Well, they told me so, since I have not been in many churches. Especially their leaded lights are very pretty, showing scenes from the big book and some about the Pilgrimfather’s History. Especially the two high leaded lights in the back which show the six days of creation are beautiful.

I have not been raised religiously and never went to any divine service. Still… I am a believer nonetheless. I always wanted to go to a service on Christmas Eve and when I asked about it, I was invited to come on a Sunday too. My son and I were both interested, so now I do come on Sunday sometimes, when times allow. The atmosphere is very warm and open. Besides the relax atmosphere which remind me of meditation, I very much enjoy the singing.

Because of it’s roots as being the ancestors of the American pilgrims, it’s kind of international. Although the services are Dutch, they keep open house a lot. They also have a big organ, which is played a lot during service and also special performances during the week.

Check the calendar for activities and open church.

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Pelgrim Vaderskerk | Art & culture | Free
Aelbrechtskolk 20 | Delfshaven | +310104774156
Sun 10:00 & 17:00

Tucked away between a block of houses located in between the Zwaanshals and the river Rotte, you can see this interestingly shaped building.
It was empty for some time after having served as a building for the municipal sanitation service Roteb. Hence the name Rotabs.

Luckily this place was included in the renovation plans to spruce up the entire block which is still in progress. The building is now turned into a creative warehouse where entrepreneurs of diverse disciplines have put up small businesses.

The interior inside is divided into several units which have tenants like a photographer, a publisher, a goldsmith, a cafe, a gallery and others. There are some units left waiting for other daring adventurers.

Initiator Paul Posse is active in the neighbourhood and hopes to create an area like a Camden Town in the Oude Noorden. As Rotabs can be pretty hard to find for even the locals, a special bus service is in the making to transport anyone interested to visit this part of the town where much is waiting to be discovered.
This circle bus will drive between city centre and the Old North to hop off and on if you’re done strolling about.

Want to find it yourself? Just walk into the Zwaanshals where there’s an entrance through a building leading you to Rotabs. Or do the upcoming Route du Nord weekend (24 -27 Sep) as an introduction to this area and it’s creative spots, artists and variety of shops.

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ROTABS Stylecenter | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Festivals & events, Music, Shopping
Zaagmolenkade 46 | Noord | +31653623230
Wed – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 -17:00

Rotterdam has its own Walk of Fame. Although it looks more like a gray pavement on a windy street, hey, it is a walk of fame! Actually, I just recently went there myself and I was quite surprised who left their mark in Rotterdam.

Amongst Dutch artists and some people I did not know, there were foot and handprints of many international stars. Bon Jovi, 
Bryan Adams,
Carlos Santana,
Carmine Coppola,
Dave Brubeck,
Grace Jones,
James Brown,
John Denver,
Johnny Cash,
Lionel Richie,
Mark Knopfler,
 Shirley Bassey, Spandau Ballet,
Tina Turner,
Tom Jones,
Willy Nelson and………… MC Hammer.

This is the greatest Walk of Fame of Europe, and although it are just imprints in concrete, it is quite fun to discover famous name after famous name. Just combine it with a walk from the Witte de Withstraat to the Erasmusbrug and you’ll have a great time!

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Rotterdam Walk of Fame | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Schiedamsedijk | Center
24 hours daily

And old and beautiful place right in the centre of Rotterdam holds one part of the historical museum of Rotterdam. Het Schielandhuis’ got the permanent exhibition ‘City of the people of Rotterdam’ on the first floor. Here you’re being guided through the history of Rotterdam up till today.

In the basement there is a restaurant, museum shop, but also the ‘Atlas van Stolk’. This part of the museum has a great collection of historical drawings of the Rotterdam wood collector Abraham van Stolk. The best of his collections is shown here and changes three times a year.

The attic and the ground floor are reserved for all kinds of contemporary exhibitions. The attic is, until august, for the exhibition ‘Nooit gebouwd Rotterdam’. There are always new things getting build in Rotterdam. Here you see the things that have never made the cut. Very cool!

Het Schielandhuis is my favourite museum, not only in Rotterdam but in the whole country. The exhibitions are always very innovative, creative and original. During my uni years I worked here, so as a trusted source I can tell you that the staff here is great.

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Schielandhuis | Art & culture | Entrance adults € 3.00
Korte Hoogstraat 31 | Center | +31102176767
Tue – Sun 11:00 – 17:00

Rotterdam’s long history as one of the main ports of the globe has created a need for many sailors from all over the world to seek a temporary recluse and a moment of contemplation and religious service.

Nowadays with modern shipping schedules requiring immediate pulling in and out of harbors sailors lack the time for attending church services, just as much as the Katendrecht area on the South bank of the river no longer features the bars and brothels of the bygone days of shore leave.

Still a wonderful series of authentic church buildings representative of their denominations and original architecture can be admired from the outside and often inside and merits a walk. This can easily be combined and integrated with a visit of any of the museums in the museum quarter. Particularly worth taking a look at are the Norwegian Sailors church, the Russian orthodox church on (opened by Poetin himself ) and the Greek Church – all 3 of them can easily be spotted from the Westzeedijk

Nowadays German and Finnish Seamans churches only draw small numbers of devotees and largely from the current non maritime expats. They are now hidden in stately residential mansions ( ’s Gravendijkwal). Before the X-mas season – usually la

te November – front door and in house sales of national goodies are held, drawing expats together for a reunion.

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Seaman’s Churches | Art & culture | Free
Westzeedijk 300 | Center | +31104365123
Tue – Sat 12:00 – 19:00, Sun 10:00 – 19:00

Unbeknownst from each other both artists Sandra Breuer and Marcel Niehoff have a peculiar taste and broad flavour for furniture and stuff made in the ’50s to the ’80s of last century. They found a lot of things over the years and their collection grew big time.

One day they bumped into each other in the Old North and found out they both collected the same things. As well as sharing the habit of ringing people’s doorbells when they see something interesting hanging from the ceiling or on the wall while passing by.

Sandra and Marcel decided to find a studio together and partially decorated it with some furniture for extra atmosphere. Visitors were interested to buy what they saw there. This encouraged them to start a real store with enough room to display their enormous and varied collection of furniture, lamps, ceramics and anything that catches their eye.

Their first shop was located in the Zwaanshals but they had to move out due to renovation work on the building. Moving out across the street not only gave them more space for their extensive collection, they hope to keep this space when it’s time to move back to the original location.

The shop is inviting to snoop around and perhaps you’ll find that missing piece of chair, couch or lamp you’ve been looking for. Have a chat while there’s music coming from a turntable and either one of them is maybe busy repairing an item.

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SPAM | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping | from € 10.00
Zaagmolendrift 53 | Noord | +31642437036
Wed – Sat 11:00 – 17:00

The city’s former pride and glory – the ss (steamship) Rotterdam – of its maritime top rank position has been revitalized to be a landmark for the port for years to come.

The initial owner – the Holland America Line – operating from the head office at the Wilhelmina pier (see the Hotel New York article) had the Rotterdam make its maiden trip to New York in 1959 as part of a transatlantic Europe – America service.

Till 2000 the ss Rotterdam traversed world wide seas first as a passenger liner and later as a cruise ship. When the ship had been decommissioned and was withering away, a conservation society was founded to enable the Rotterdam to return home as a hotel and conference center, a tourist attraction and a variety of dining and eating, drinking and lounging spots. After a lengthy and costly renovation with a focus on restoring its former grandeur and style of the sixties, it is now permanently moored in Katendrecht across from the Euromast (see the Euromast article).

It is a great destination for getting a feel of an ocean liner from the old days, now fixed up with up to day amenities. Guided tours can be booked or audioguide self exploration trips to acquire a look and feel of the decks, engine room and steering bridge and so on. A small museum records the ship’s history in more detail, an experience center will be opened shortly, a boutique shop with memorabilia and a theater all help to revive the nostalgia.

The Lido restaurant offers food and drink almost all day long from 06.30 till 22.00, just like the days when the ship was at large (I know from experience: I worked as a pantry boy on the Rotterdam in 1964 and again as the ship’s doctor in 1974). The adjacent Club Room offers fine dining from 18.00 – 22.00.

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ss Rotterdam | Art & culture, Bars, Shopping, Restaurants (Intern.)
Katendrecht | Zuid | +31107410900
Apr – Oct 09:00 -19:30 daily | Nov – Mar 09:00 – 16:00 daily

I have absolutely no idea how famous Marten Toonder is outside the Netherlands, but here his cartoons are an icon. Tom Poes (”Tom Puss”) and Oliver B. Bommel (”Oliver B. Bumble”) have been well-known for many years. The cartoonist was born in Rotterdam, what might explain the reason why there is a statue of Tom Poes and several other cartoon figures in the centre of Rotterdam.

Personally I not so fond of most art pieces all around Rotterdam. There are only a few I like and this one is one of them. My father had these little cartoon when I was young, which I read and I have seen the Oliver B. Bommel movie a couple of times too, about this big sophisticated brown bear who finds a dragon egg. So it was a pleasant surprises when I first got eye to eye with the little white cat standing between lighting.

It is a colorful statue and it also serves as a resting place for people tired of shopping or to eat your fish freshly bought at the market, almost every day. Above the benches you can find some other characters from the cartoons, but no Oliver B. Bommel. ‘Tom Poes’ is also the name of a very Dutch pastry. Behind one of the figures you can find one made of stone.

I have a very personal memory to this statue and I have sat here more than one time to eat my fish or just used it as a meeting spot. At the moment it is surrounded by building sites, but in Rotterdam that’s almost a natural habitat.

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Statue Tom Poes | Art & culture | Free
Binnenrotte | Center
24 hours daily

I’m a person with a broad interest and I have affinities with fabric, different materials and techniques. Combine this with a feeling for the environment and recycling stuff as much as possible and you’ve certainly gotten my interest.
One store annex gallery and workshop which always draws my curiosity is Studio Hergebruik (Re-use). The shop is situated at the Coolsingel in the centre. You might pass it without noticing as the space is in a former office building. They try to attract passersby with some of the original products shown on display in the large window and outside.

Studio Hergebruik  represent (inter)national artists from different disciplines whose work and concept is to re-use and re-cycle old materials and waste products which have lost their initial use and value. A large and diverse collection of articles and products can be found at the shop. Ranging from clothes, bags, china, lamps, furniture etc.; it’s a perfect place for finding original presents or getting inspired yourself.

It changes the way you look at all the things we carelessly throw away which are still of great value to others.

There are several workshops if you want to try and make something new out of old or ordinary materials like bike tyres, books, billboard posters, keyboards etc…

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Studio Hergebruik | Art & culture, Shopping
Coolsingel 53 | Center
Tue – Sat 11:00 – 18:00

Rotterdam is famous for its art museums and galleries. The epicentrum of cultural activities is Tent. This exhibition space features the nicest exhibitions and events.

As there are different events throughout the year, I can only recommend to check out their website to see if there is anything you might like. However, they usually feature an excellent selection.

Last year, I attended a free concert of Jamie Lidell, a symposium on architecture and saw some impressive exhibitions.

A suggestion, watch for openings of exhibitions. They usually feature a little party, with (free) drinks and some music. An excellent opportunity to meet people and get a little social.

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Tent | Art & culture, Theaters | admission € 3.00
Witte de Withstraat 50 | Center
Tue – Sun 11:00 – 18:00

The HUB is a place for working, meeting, innovating, learning, for people who sees and do things differently, where ideas originate that might change the world a little.

It was only a matter of time, but finally The HUB ROTTERDAM opened a SHOP in at the Nieuwe Binnenweg 195B, a concept where HUB members sell their fair trade or organic products and services.

If you are hip, authentic and involved, THE HUB shop is definitely a must go!

What they sell is as diverse as the HUB members are, what makes this a unique place. Shakshulca is an original baby-line, Ecocouture for elegant woman’s wear made of bamboo, Streethip Ecokatoen t-shirts and boxer shorts with great prints, original bike handglovers from Colores, support starting jewelery designers from Chili, swap clothes or buy for only €5,00 a piece, be beautiful with Isabella pearls, cool with wooden furniture made by Niels Verwey, learn you can fight poverty, isn’t doing business all about flirting or find a light in a jar and more …

I found some original presents for Sinterklaas that will be great for X-mas too. A stylish bouncing ball of elastics, a car as ‘key chain’ made in Madagascar of old can, a bottle of wine with a story. All around €5,00 each. Got a good laugh and a poem for free. These are things you are hoping for when you are stressing around to get ready in time.

It’s typical for THE HUB SHOP, meet interesting people, find time for humor, a story, inspiration, exchange ideas and activities.

This all happens in a spacious, nicely designed shop ran by Mila, Cathelijne and Ursel.

Upstairs they welcome you for cake and drinks. Via the shop-blog you can vote which cake they’ll bake next week.

For the latest news check the THE HUB SHOP ROTTERDAM blog.

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The HUB Shop | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | From € 2.50
Nieuwe Binnenweg 195B | West
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

I live in a part of Rotterdam where I’m surrounded by bridges, water and the bustle of ships passing by. It’s called the Noordereiland (Northern island) in the Nieuwe Maasriver and connected by the Willemsbridge and Koninginnebridge.

The name derives from Noorderhaven (harbour) which is now called Koningshaven. When they dug this harbour, the island got separated from former island Feijenoord. This name should ring a bell with football lovers whereas the name is written as Feyenoord.

The island has become an Art project called MS Noordereiland, initiated by artist Joe Cillen who also lives here. The concept is that the island is in fact a motor ship ready to take off one day and sail away with all its inhabitants. If you walk around on the island you will see many objects which refers to parts of a ship. We even have our own flag.

When you cross the Willemsbridge to the island, you will see a newer side on the left part. The right part is more authentic and was spared by the bombing during WWII. Have a nice walk and see the houses on Maaskade 85, 113 and the Hulstkamp building. Try and find all the paintings in ornamented frames on several buildings. There’s a lot of art to find.

Even though most of the shops have gone, there are plenty of cafes to rest and wonder where the journey will lead to when the MS Noordereiland really starts moving…Or swim your way around it during Rondje Noordereiland in summer..

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The Noordereiland | Art & culture, Bars, Relaxing
Prins Hendriklaan | Zuid
Daily

Rotterdam is not about tradition of years past, Rotterdam is about today… and some people are all about tomorrow. You can notice this through architecture and design scattered around town that express this sense of moving forward.

An example of this attitude is found at the South bank of the Maas. The headquarters of Unilever is one of my favorite examples, the new headquarters are built literally across the old Unilever factory.

But to experience tomorrow, go to V2_ Medialabs, institute for unstable media. Right across the corner in the Witte de Withstraat the V2_ institute has its headquarters and exhibition space.

Their shows and exhibitions feature the most innovative interaction designers and contemporary artists in the field of media and technology. An example is the renowned Daan Roosegaarde who recently revealed his latest creation at V2_.

They organize talks, exhibitions and showcases of new projects. Check their website for events due and go there for an experience never to be forget! This is what Rotterdam is all about!

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V2_ | Art & culture
Eendrachtsstraat 10 | Center
Check their website for events

“Voorlopig” could be translated into ‘for the time being’. A nice name for a special gift shop focused on creative people like me. Located in one of the nicest shopping streets down town, the Nieuwe Binnenweg. Opposite the oldest Dutch interior design-shop Metz at number 170.

At Voorlopig you will find a mixture of intuitively combined collection of beautiful presents you won’t find anywhere else. Handcrafted art objects made by poets, writers and artists. Funny gifts such as ceramic elements that can be used as a vase, mini garden. The ‘Raaf birds’ are beautiful. I like the envelopes I bought, made of recycled maps. Ever since I sent my bills in these envelopes and feel I sent a hidden treasure along;)

Ask for the ceramic ‘Rotterdamse Aardmannen’. They are really cute mini gnomes with a mark on the back of the date when they made. Notepads from recycled posters comes with a free pen holder.

There are many interesting, touching, surprising books on architecture, tree houses, birds, life, poetry and more. Limited edition screen prints, lino’s and paintings, lucky balloons, amazing birdcages, crow your own mushrooms, original postcards.

Snoop around, be touched and warned as this shop will inspire you finding nice presents for, young and old, yourself and your beloved ones.

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Voorlopig | Art & culture, Shopping
Nieuwe Binnenweg 165 | West | +310104367668
Wed – Thu 14:00 – 18:00, Fri – Sat 11:00 – 18:00/19:00

This complex of restored 19th century warehouses now packs some of the best art-galleries, bars and restaurants of Rotterdam.

For Dutch speaking people, go to De Belastingdienst (Eng: Tax-service); every dish or element in the restaurant has been named after some tax-related phenomena. Starters are called ‘Voorheffingen’, mains are ‘hoofdheffingen’ and desert is called a ‘naheffing’. I once went here and had a great laugh over the funny references. However, it is a tad expensive and reservations beforehand are recommended.

For art-lovers I would recommend the gallery Smelik & Stokking. Although their selection of works does not fully comply with my personal taste, they are renowned for the art on display.

For those that have somewhat less to spend, like me, and still want to have dinner at this nice place, head for the Italian restaurant, Abacanto, at the back on the top floor. Here you can have an affordable pizza and dance afterwards.

Design lovers head for Van Oostrom Concept Store. They are a reseller for many famous design labels. Especially look out for the Moooi design founded by Marcel Wanders. This label features the work of Ross Lovegrove, Front and Trent Jansen.

And besides the aforementioned places, there are plenty of other nice places, shops and bars to hang around on either of the two floors. Wherever you go, expect high-end bars and restaurants. For a nice virtual tour on beforehand, go the website of Smelik & Stokking.

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Westelijk Handels Terrein | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Restaurants (intern.)
Van Vollenhovenstraat 15 | Center
Daily

WORM in Delfshaven is one of the most cutting-edge cultural hotspots in the Netherlands. Go to WORM for concerts of electronic music and sound-art, films, workshops, masterclasses and the awesome WORM-shop. But do not expect your average known band-nights; WORM is experimental and avant garde! More often than not, I was at WORM and thought the performances went beyond my comprehension. However, these evening have been engraved in my memory for being at least impressive.

Furthermore, not only art and culture is shown, it is created as well in the labs and studios. The creations are about art, technology, music, sound, cultural reflection and innovation beyond your imagination!

WORM is located in a nice old building in historic Delfshaven. Although it is slightly off the map, it is worth the trip. Check their website for interesting events and performances or go to their shop that is open daily from 12 to 18h, except for Sundays that is.

Please note, WORM is not a mainstream attraction, go to their website to see if this is your kind of ball game.

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WORM | Art & culture, Music, Shopping
Achterhaven 148 | Delfshaven
Shop: Tue – Sat 12:00 – 18:00, for events check their website

This statue is at Plein 1940 and was made by the French artist Ossip Zadkine, who was Russian from origin. It represents the city after the second worldwar when the heart of the city had been bombed and burned down. Well, and that’s exactly what it is, a man without a heart.

For years I thought the statue actually was called Zadkine, but that was the artist’s name. It is called De Verwoeste stad (The Destroyed City) and is sometimes called Jan Gat (John Hole) by the city’s inhabitants who always have a neck for giving not so flattering names to city monuments.

Every Rotterdammer knows the statue, for it represented the sorrow of its lost city heart for years. Since the entire center has been rebuilt with high buildings, it seems not so appropriate anymore. But actually it is. For me, it feels like the hole is just filled with concrete and glass. It doesn’t breath, it radiates no warmth.

Even though I’m not fond of modern art, this is one I like. It really shows the pain and despair of the city right after the war.

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Zadkine | Art & culture | Free
Plein 1940 | Center
24 hours daily