Kunsthal Rotterdam

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Kunsthal was created as part of the redesign of Rotterdam's Museumpark. Rem Koolhaas designed the building in 1988–1989 together with project architect Fuminori Hoshino of OMA; it opened on November 1, 1992.

Its defining feature is a ramp that cuts right through the building, bridging the six-meter difference in height between Westzeedijk and Museumpark and forming part of the public path network during the day. Koolhaas combined fine materials such as travertine and parquet with plain ones like corrugated plastic, exposed concrete, galvanized steel grating and raw tree trunks; each of the seven halls has its own character.

After an eight-month renovation led by OMA, the building reopened in February 2014 with an entrance on the park side and the KunsthalLAB learning space. In 2026, Van Oosterom Studio redesigned the entrance, shop and café, restoring Günther Förg's neon ceiling piece in the process.

With no collection of its own, the Kunsthal is free to shape its program as it likes: each year it presents more than 20 exhibitions, ranging from old masters to fashion, design and photography to emerging artists. In 2025 it welcomed more than 372,000 visitors, more than ever before.

Highlights

• Building by Rem Koolhaas/OMA with a ramp running right through it
• More than 20 temporary exhibitions a year covering art, fashion, design and photography
• Kunsthal Inside/Out series in the HAL 6 shop-window hall
• Neon ceiling piece by Günther Förg in the entrance area
• Architecture tours of the building

Founded

1987

Director

Marianne Splint

Visitors per year

approx. 372,118 (2025)

Admission & discounts

Free with Museumkaart, Rotterdampas, ICOM, Rembrandtkaart, VriendenLoterij VIP card and for Friends of the Kunsthal. Everyone must book a timed ticket online in advance. Card payment only; the Museumkaart (€75) is available at the ticket desk.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance and all exhibition spaces are reachable by elevator; only the steep ramp in HAL 6 is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Reserve loan wheelchairs in advance (010-4400300, receptie@kunsthal.nl); compact mobility scooters are allowed. Folding stools at HAL 1 and 2. Accessible parking spaces on the service road along Westzeedijk (parking permit required). In 2025, sign language tours were offered in cooperation with Toegankelijk Museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Free Look & Do booklet for ages 6 to 12 for the current exhibition (currently A Chair and You); extra activities and Monday opening during school holidays. Free admission up to age 18.

Getting there & parking

Drop-off point: Museumpark, Westzeedijk 343. The entrance is on the park side at the bottom of the ramp. Bike racks at the entrance next to the Natuurhistorisch Museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Kunsthal Café (run by Vermaat) Tue–Sun 9:30–17:30, also open to visitors without a ticket, with a terrace facing the Museumpark; Kunsthal Shop. Lockers in the cloakroom with a free token – bags larger than A4 and backpacks must be stored. Cashless.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 280 guests.

Auditorium for up to 280 people, roof terrace for up to 50, KunsthalLAB for meetings and workshops, café for receptions, dinners and parties; can be combined with an exhibition visit or guided tour. Contact: verhuur@kunsthal.nl.

Plan your visit