Museum Rotterdam

About the museum

Museum Rotterdam traces its roots to the city's Historisch Museum, which opened in the Schielandshuis in 1953 and displayed the antiquities and documents kept for centuries in the city hall. In 1975, De Dubbelde Palmboom in Delfshaven was added as a second location. In 2011 the museum renamed itself Museum Rotterdam to focus more on the city of today; the following year, both historic locations had to close as a cost-cutting measure.

In 2015, the former OorlogsVerzetsMuseum (War and Resistance Museum) was merged into the museum, and the exhibition ’40-’45 NU was created at the Coolhaven, covering the bombing of May 14, 1940, the occupation, persecution, and reconstruction. From 2016, the museum also presented the city's history in the Timmerhuis; since 2021, the Coolhaven location has been the only one open to visitors.

The collection comprises more than 100,000 objects, from everyday items to historic artworks. In 2026, the museum acquired the listed church and monastery complex Het Steiger on the Hang in the city center, which is being converted into the new city museum. ’40-’45 NU will also move there; the Coolhaven location closes after November 15, 2026, and the opening at Het Steiger has been announced for 2027.

Highlights

• Eight-meter-long touchscreen table on the bombing of May 14, 1940
• 28-meter-long collection gallery with weapons, uniforms, and everyday objects with personal stories
• Hands-on exhibition "De Bouwplaats" on democracy and participation for children ages 8 and up
• Tactile objects with audio description
• Future city museum in the postwar landmark Het Steiger

Permanent exhibitions

• Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU – Exhibition on the bombing of May 14, 1940, persecution and oppression during the occupation, and reconstruction, with a large touchscreen table and a gallery of personal objects. Will subsequently move in part to Het Steiger.
• De Bouwplaats – Interactive exhibition for children ages 8 and up on participation, conflict resolution, and the difference between democracy and dictatorship.

Director

Ingrid de Jager

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission for everyone on the first Wednesday of every month and on May 5 and 14

Free with the Museumkaart; likewise free with the Rotterdampas, Vrienden van Museum Rotterdam, ICOM, Veteranenpas, Rembrandtkaart, and VriendenLoterij VIP card. No time-slot reservation required. Card payment only.

Accessibility

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

Accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, with only a small threshold at the entrance. Loaner wheelchairs by reservation; accessible restroom without side transfer space; rest benches. Five tactile objects with audio description via headphones, collection information on iPads. Several accessible parking spaces in the immediate vicinity; pick-up from the metro platform can be arranged by phone (010 217 67 73). Companion free.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 10+

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Recommended from about age 10, as the bombing and occupation are covered; parents should prepare their children. Free activity cards at the ticket desk; hands-on exhibition "De Bouwplaats" for children ages 8 and up.

Getting there & parking

Some GPS devices cannot find the address – enter "metrostation Coolhaven" as the destination.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Small coffee corner with coffee, tea, and drinks.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit