VENUE -- Tourist information
The Netherlands
Rotterdam
ROTTERDAM 2007 City of Architecture
Things to see and do
The Netherlands
The Netherlands (also known as Holland) is a West European country,
which lies on the North Sea with Belgium and Germany as its neighbours.
It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It has
a population of sixteen million and an average of 481 inhabitants per
square kilometre. The Netherlands lies on the delta of three major rivers:
the Rhine, Maas and Schelde. The capital is Amsterdam and, for historical
reasons, the government is situated in The Hague.
The Netherlands is best known for its tulips, windmills and clogs (wooden shoes), but also for its low altitude and vulnerability to flooding. Less well known is that it is the world’s eighth largest exporter of goods and capital and the world’s third largest exporter of food. Equally little known is that 15 Nobel prizes have been awarded to Dutch people for chemistry, physics, medicine, economics and peace. The Dutch are major players in fields like science, the economy, the arts and sports and their country is a beacon of forward-thinking social and cultural policy.
For further information about The Netherlands, please visit:www.holland.com
Rotterdam
Located on the mighty Maas River, Rotterdam grew from a fishing village in the mid 13th century into an international centre of trade, transport, industry and distribution. At the beginning of the Second World War, on 14 May 1940, virtually the entire city centre was devastated by a German bombardment. This explains why scarcely any pre-war buildings have remained in this part of Rotterdam. After the war, reconstruction of what had been destroyed was given the highest priority.
Now, many years later, Rotterdam is the “Gateway to Europe”. The second city of The Netherlands, with one of the largest ports in the world, it is also the industrial heart of the Netherlands and the economic, social and cultural centre of the Rijnmond (‘Rhine Estuary’) region. Its international orientation as a port and the regeneration of its city centre have made Rotterdam a business city with outstanding architecture and a young city culture. In addition, Rotterdam is a modern city with excellent shopping facilities, restaurants and cafes. Rotterdam is sure to pleasantly surprise you!
For more information on the city of Rotterdam, you can visit the tourist information site.
Located on the mighty Maas River, Rotterdam grew from a fishing village in the mid 13th century into an international centre of trade, transport, industry and distribution. At the beginning of the Second World War, on 14 May 1940, virtually the entire city centre was devastated by a German bombardment. This explains why scarcely any pre-war buildings have remained in this part of Rotterdam. After the war, reconstruction of what had been destroyed was given the highest priority.
Now, many years later, Rotterdam is the “Gateway to Europe”. The second city of The Netherlands, with one of the largest ports in the world, it is also the industrial heart of the Netherlands and the economic, social and cultural centre of the Rijnmond (‘Rhine Estuary’) region. Its international orientation as a port and the regeneration of its city centre have made Rotterdam a business city with outstanding architecture and a young city culture. In addition, Rotterdam is a modern city with excellent shopping facilities, restaurants and cafes. Rotterdam is sure to pleasantly surprise you!
For more information on the city of Rotterdam, you can visit the tourist information site.
ROTTERDAM 2007 City
of Architecture
'Rotterdam is increasingly to architecture
what Paris is to fashion or
Los Angeles to entertainment.'
March 2005, New York Times
Ever since the early 20th century, Rotterdam has been internationally renowned as a centre of modern architecture. Innovative, daring structures have been built in the city and developments are continuing apace. Rotterdam's most outstanding architectural icons show perfectly how ideas about the design of the city have changed constantly. The city is willing to experiment and stimulate a lively architecture climate. Many interesting architecture offices are based in Rotterdam, as are institutions such as the Netherlands Architecture Institute, Berlage Institute and International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam. That makes Rotterdam the 'architecture capital' of the Netherlands.
ROTTERDAM 2007 City of Architecture
ROTTERDAM 2007 is a large-scale public festival about exceptional buildings and public spaces in Rotterdam with 40 highlights, special routes and major events. Artists, architects and advertisers present their vision of the city with the most exciting modern architecture. The buildings and the public spaces will be the stage for diverse activities and experiences. ROTTERDAM 2007 will see to it that residents and visitors look at the city in a different, intriguing manner.
During the conference, the following achitecture events take place:
Things to see and do
what Paris is to fashion or
Los Angeles to entertainment.'
March 2005, New York Times
Ever since the early 20th century, Rotterdam has been internationally renowned as a centre of modern architecture. Innovative, daring structures have been built in the city and developments are continuing apace. Rotterdam's most outstanding architectural icons show perfectly how ideas about the design of the city have changed constantly. The city is willing to experiment and stimulate a lively architecture climate. Many interesting architecture offices are based in Rotterdam, as are institutions such as the Netherlands Architecture Institute, Berlage Institute and International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam. That makes Rotterdam the 'architecture capital' of the Netherlands.
ROTTERDAM 2007 City of Architecture
ROTTERDAM 2007 is a large-scale public festival about exceptional buildings and public spaces in Rotterdam with 40 highlights, special routes and major events. Artists, architects and advertisers present their vision of the city with the most exciting modern architecture. The buildings and the public spaces will be the stage for diverse activities and experiences. ROTTERDAM 2007 will see to it that residents and visitors look at the city in a different, intriguing manner.
During the conference, the following achitecture events take place:
- International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam
- WiMBY! Event
- Follydock, designs for Heijplaat
- Le Corbusier - object and architecture
Things to see and do
Attractions
EUROMAST
From the top of the Euromast you will have the most magnificent view
over Rotterdam and the world's largest harbour. Enjoy the sensation
of a space adventure and go for a ride in the Space Tower. You enter
a round elevator and sit on a circular bench facing outwards. The tower
spirals as it ascends and descends so everyone has a complete view of
the city and its surroundings. This exciting rocket launch takes you
to 607 feet! Rotterdam's Euromast, Holland's highest observation tower
refuses to be topped, although it is steadily being dwarfed by the high-rise
development on what has come to be known as the "Kop van Zuid" (head
of the south). When it was first built in 1960, the Euromast towered
350 feet above the city and its bustling harbour. In 1970, the Space
Tower was added, and today it is 607 feet tall. At 328 feet you can
enjoy a meal with a view in one of the two restaurants.
More information:
Parkhaven 20, tel. +31 (0)10 4364811 www.euromast.nl
Route by public transport: Tram 8 direction Spangen, stop Euromast
TROPICANA
The largest subtropical oasis in The Netherlands, with palm trees, banana
trees and a constant temperature of 30C, offering tropical surprises
for young and old alike. Discover this exotic adventure for yourself!
At the heart of the Tropicana lies the large Wave Pool. From the lagoons,
you can swim through to the outdoor pool. If the Tarzan cry echoes through
the room, the waves start rolling in at high speed and you bob around
in wild seas. A wild river many meters long flows through the Tropicana
jungle. Let yourself be carried away and experience this unique, foaming
adventure.
More information:
Maasboulevard 100, tel. +31 (0)10 4020700 www.tropicana.nl
(only available in Dutch)
Route by public transport: Tram 1 direction de Esch, stop Oostplein
HOLLAND CASINO ROTTERDAM
Holland Casino Rotterdam has several bars and a restaurant. There's
always something special happening at Holland Casino Rotterdam. There
is live entertainment, theme nights and various chances to win spectacular
prizes. Holland Casino Rotterdam features: around 630 slot machines,
a separate High Limit Area, around 50 gaming tables including: French
Roulette, American Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Punto Banco,
Big Wheel and Sic Bo.
More information:
Weena 624, tel. +31 (0)10 2068206 www.hollandcasino.nl
(only available in German and Dutch)
Route: Holland Casino Rotterdam is just 2 minute walk from Rotterdam
central railway station.
Museums
NETHERLANDS ARCHITECTURE INSTITUTE (NAI)
Over fifteen exhibitions in five exhibition rooms, introduce you to
historical and contemporary architecture. The showpiece of the collection
is the museum "Huis Sonneveld", a hyper-modern villa from 1933 filled
with light, air, space and a surprising amount of colour and one of
the best-preserved examples of the New Building school of architecture.
More information:
Museumpark 25, tel. +31 (0)10 4401200 www.nai.nl
Route by public transport: Tram 4 direction Marconiplein, stop Eendrachtsplein
or
Tram 5 direction Willemsplein, stop Museumpark
SHOW-CUBE
The kubus or cube homes were designed by Piet Blom. He saw his design
as a tree and the entire complex as a forest. Blom's idea was to design
a kind of village within a big city, a safe oasis where various functions
could come to fruition. The KijkKubus is the fully furnished museum
home in the Blaakse Bos. The interior was specially designed to give
visitors an impression of how you can live in a cube home. Models, photo
panels and screens offer additional information.
More information:
Overblaak 70, tel. +31 (0)10 4142285) www.kubuswoning.nl
Route by public transport: Train to Station Blaak or tram 21, direction
de Esch, stop Blaak
MUSEUM BOIJMANS VAN BEUNINGEN
The museum, founded in 1849, houses a rich, broad collection that can
be generally grouped into four wings: Old Art, with masterpieces such
as Breughel's Tower of Babel. The collection of Prints and Drawings
and the collection of Applied Arts and Design with their international
allure, and the Modern Art wing which has an important collection of
Surrealism, prominently featuring Margritte and Dali. The programme
of exhibits changes periodically.
More information:
Museumpark 18-20, tel. +31 (0)10 4419543 www.boijmans.nl
Route by public transport: Tram 4 direction Marconiplein, stop Eendrachtsplein
or
Tram 5 direction Willemsplein, stop Museumpark
KUNSTHAL
In the famous design from the hand of Rem Koolhaas, art collections
in the widest sense of the word are presented each year. Old versus
new art, design and photography - from elitist to popular. Its permanent
collection consists of a repertoire highlighting master-forger Han van
Meegeren, Leonardo da Vinci, the Hague School of painters, Jewels of
the Orient, Pop-art and impressionism.
Travel info: Tram 5 stop Museumpark
More information:
Westzeedijk 341, tel +31 (0)10 4400301 www.kunsthal.nl
Route by public transport: Tram 5 direction Willemsplein, stop Vasteland
or
Tram 8 direction Spangen, stop Erasmus MC
DE DELFT SHIPYARD
See the construction of the 18th-century ship of the line De Delft,
a ship that fits in perfectly with the history and image of the historic
Delfshaven harbour. At every visit to the wharf, you'll see the ship
grow to its final, impressive length of 63 meters. When it is finished
De Delft will be one of the biggest replicas in the world! You can look
behind the scenes at the workplaces where traditional craftsmen are
hard at work, see the extensive exhibition and watch the film, and admire
the progress being made on the ship by the quay.
More information:
Schiehaven 15, tel. +31 (0)10 2760115 www.dedelft.nl
Route by public transport: Tram 8 direction Spangen, stop Oostkousdijk
Restaurants and bars -areas-
WESTELIJK HANDELSTERREIN
It resembles the set of a historical film about Rotterdam, but it is
actually the breathtaking, beautifully restored warehouse complex from
1894 in the Scheepvaartkwartier. A double passageway of solid stone
opens into the interior. The immense original beams in the ceiling connect
galleries, wine importers and bars with grand cafés, luxury restaurants
and nightclubs. It looks back to the history of the port, while luxuriating
fully in the pleasures of the present. The galleries displaying bronze
and stone statues are beside an authentic ship's galley, the Italian
restaurant Perla de Mare, serving top dishes from the Mediterranean
cuisine. There is also a trendy bar in Restaurant Rosso, and 220 different
types of wine can be tasted from the bottle at En Verre. If you still
aren't satisfied, O'Life domestic caterer offers the most exclusive
hors d'oeuvres, cheeses, hams and other delicacies to take home with
you. Yes, you could say that the patrons are pampered, because the Westelijk
Handelsterrein is a top-notch nightlife sensation.
More information:
Van Vollenhovenstraat 15 www.wht.nl
Route by public transport: Tram 5 direction Willemsplein, stop Vasteland
OUDE HAVEN
The lower reaches of the River Rotte are the birthplace of what has
evolved into one of the world's biggest ports. The Oude Haven (Old Harbour)
is a natural harbour in the Rotte estuary. Today the Oude Haven is a
vibrant entertainment centre with lots of (informal and budget) restaurants,
(all-night) bars and clubs. Here you can also find buildings which managed
to survive the world war II bombs: a row of Rotterdam merchants' houses
on the Haringvliet and the White House dating back to 1898 (at the time,
at 45 meters the highest skyscraper in Europe).
More information:
www.oudehaven.nl
(only available in Dutch)
Route by public transport: Train to Station Blaak or tram 21, direction
de Esch, stop Blaak
WITTE DE WITHSTRAAT
On the Witte de Withstraat (streetname) you will find a lot of (budget)
restaurants and bars. Here you can also find restaurant Bazar with the
great busy atmosphere of a trendy restaurant in Rabat or Istanbul and
offers a great choice of cheap dishes out of the Oriental and Mediterranean
kitchen. The service is multicultural and fits with the atmosphere.
Witte de Withstraat
Route by public transport: Tram 4 direction Marconiplein, stop Eendrachtsplein
Tram 5 direction Willemsplein, stop Museumpark
Tram 8 direction Spangen, stop Churchillplein
HOTEL NEW YORK
Hotel New York is a modern hotel and café-restaurant situated in one
of the most attractive spots in Rotterdam. A location with new town
planning developments, international in scale. It is not the intention
of this hotel to look back nostalgically and capture the grandeur of
hotels of yesterday. Rather, it wants to bring to life the hospitality
and the elegance of travel back then, in it's own way. This is no less
than you would expect from a hotel with the name New York, based in
an international harbour city. There is also the possibility to reach
this hotel by watertaxi (visit the website for more information). Koninginnenhoofd
1, tel. +31 (0)10 4390500 www.hotelnewyork.nl
Route by public transport: Tram 20 direction Lombardijen, stop Wilhelminaplein.
Watertaxi from Veerhaven and Leuvehaven (please visit the website for
more information).
Around Rotterdam
KINDERDIJK
The Netherlands is famous for its windmills. Kinderdijk is a historical
location known for its 19 traditional windmills, now a United Nations
global cultural monument. Distance from Rotterdam: 17 km (60/90 minutes
by train and bus)
For more information: www.kinderdijk.nl
AMSTERDAM
Capital of The Netherlands and well known for it's diamonds, musea and
a tolerant atmosphere. Top attractions: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum,
Anne Frank's house, the Red Light district and canal boats.
Distance from Rotterdam: 75 km (60 minutes by train).
For more information: www.iamsterdam.com
THE HAGUE (DEN HAAG)
This royal city by the sea is the home to Queen Beatrix and seat of
the Dutch Government.
Top attractions: Mauritshuis, Museum Mesdag, Madurodam and the Dutch
house of parliament.
Distance from Rotterdam: 25 km (30 minutes by train)
For more information: www.holland.com/denhaag
DELFT
Delft has the best combination of all that The Netherlands has to offer:
canals, beautiful historic buildings, a great number of charming hotels,
a vast choice in restaurant and bars. And Delft has lots and lots of
City of Delft Blue and Vermeer. The city also has close historical ties
to the House of Orange.
Distance from Rotterdam: 18 km (15 minutes by train)
For more information: www.delft.com