Spring is definitely my favourite season! Because that means the sun is shining again, right? Unfortunately, in the Netherlands nothing is as changeable as the weather. Fortunately, on a rainy spring day you can spend a lot of time in one of the museums that Rotterdam has (also nice to do when the sun is shining, by the way.)
In the centre of Rotterdam there are a number of museums that I enjoy visiting myself. Curious about the exhibitions that can be visited this spring? Great, because I've sorted it out for you.
Ready for a stimulation of your senses? Then hurry to the Kunsthal for the Calder Now exhibition, dedicated to the modern master Alexander Calder.
Don't worry, I hadn't heard of the man before either. But that doesn't make a visit any less worth it. Think of life-size sculptures and special installations that defy gravity.
Modern art, yet accessible to a wide audience. And very photogenic, because you are guaranteed to go home with some nice pictures for 'the gram'.
The Calder Now exhibition can be seen in De Kunsthal until May 29, 2022.
Perhaps my favourite: the Nederlands Fotomuseum. With another wonderful photo exhibition by Jan Banning this spring: Het Oordeel I Buiten redelijke twijfel? (also: The Judgment I Beyond a reasonable doubt?)
If you are not yet familiar with his work, you will be after a visit to the photography museum! He often shoots in the style of documentary photography and his photos have hooks that really make them stick to your memory.
This photo series is about an American woman sentenced to life imprisonment. Jan Banning believes in the innocence of Christina Boyer, accused of the murder of her daughter Amber. When you look at it you no longer know what you feel, beauty or impending doom.
Jan Banning's Het Oordeel can be seen in the Nederlands Fotomuseum until 29 June 2022.
When you are in Rotterdam, a visit to the Pot (as we call the depot in Rotterdam) should not be missed. This iconic mirrored building is not only the new eye-catcher of the Rotterdam skyline, it is also very special on the inside.
Don't expect traditional exhibits. The depot gives you a glimpse into the world of preserving art. The interior in particular is a joy to explore, with a labyrinth of stairs, Instagrammable vistas and great light.
Sounds good, right? Earlier I wrote an extensive report of my visit to the Depot, so check it out if you want to know more!
The Depot is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
While you're in the neighbourhood of the Witte de With, drop by at Kunstinstituut Melly. Especially if you're into modern art, because I have to admit - it's not for everyone (read: a bit absurd at times). Still, I always have a great time there and I personally appreciate that complexity. And if I don't understand it, I can often laugh about it.
The exhibition 84 stappen (also: 84 steps) is a long-term exhibition consisting of various works of art and installations that were specially commissioned for this exhibition. Look, feel, experience. Every now and then projects are exchanged for new work, so feel free to go back for a second time.
84 stappen can be seen until August 21, 2022
When you think of Rotterdam, you quickly think of the port. It will therefore not surprise you that we also have a museum about that: het Maritim Museum. From maritime masterpieces by grand masters to impressive harbor objects, you will find everything.
Traveling with kids? Feel free to take them with you, because this is really a DIY museum. There is entertainment for almost every age category. At Professor Plons the little ones learn in a playful way about different ships and the work that is done in the harbour. The Sea Monsters exhibition is also quite an adventure for children from 4 years old.
And that one teenager who is not interested in anything? Even he or she will enjoy Dealing with Drugs (14+). In this experience they experience for themselves the impact of the drug trade in the port of Rotterdam. An honest story with tough choices, shocking facts and figures. A real eye-opener (and secretly quite exciting in my opinion!).
The Maritime Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and on Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00.
