Rotterdam is the city of architecture in The Netherlands and we are proud of that. After the bombardment of 14 May 1940 the complete city center was destroyed. Only the City Hall and the former postoffice (next door) survived. The Laurenschurch was badly damaged but was rebuilt and is still in use today. The bombardment also meant a new start for the city center. Nowadays you will find an overview of 20th century modern architecture in combination of historic buildings just outside the city center fire boundary in the Scheepvaartkwartier area and in Delfshaven. A perfect combination between past, present & future.
In The Netherlands we say: "Rotterdam is never finished". Every time you visit the city you will see a changed skyline and new projects being developed. Eyecatcher definately is the Erasmusbridge (1996, architect Ben van Berkel) connecting the Southern suburbs with the city center. In 2009 a new landmark was finished with the name: The Red Apple (2008, KCAP architects and designer Jan des Bouvries). De Maastoren (Dam & Partners) also reached her top at 165 meters and currently is the highest building in Rotterdam and the highest officebuilding in The Netherlands. Obviously the city center is of interest but also developments on the Wilhelminapier, Lloydkwartier and Kop van Zuid. These former industrial areas and quays are being developed into urban living, recreation and business locations.
Museum House Sonneveld - Museumpark - Hypermodern villa built in 1933 and one of the best preserved examples of the New Building School of Architecture - Architects Brinkman & Van der Vlugt;
City Information Center - Coolsingel 197 - all about the past, the present and the future - including a city model. Start your architecture Rotterdam tour at CIC;
Info Center Wilhelminapier - Otto Reuchlinweg 1002 - All about the developments on Wilhelminapier (South shore)
A masterpiece in Rotterdam architecture is Van Nelle Ontwerpfabriek which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This former production site for coffee, tea and tobacco was designed by architects Brinkman & Van der Vlugt and built between 1925 and 1931. Guided tours take place in this unique industrial monument. Public transport: bus 38 towards Schiedam from Rotterdam Central Station. Location is outsite de city center!
