Villa Zebra

About the museum

In 1997 Wim van Krimpen, then director of the Kunsthal Rotterdam, and Jet Manhro, founder of the children's bookshop Boekie Boekie, signed the founding deed of the Stichting Kinderkunsthal Rotterdam. Villa Zebra opened in 2001 in the Museumpark in a round building made of stacked containers, which was originally not meant to last forever; its success proved otherwise. Today the house is located on Stieltjesstraat in Kop van Zuid-Entrepot, where the artwork "Gibra" by Albert Kramer stands on the roof.

Villa Zebra sees itself as a creative laboratory: children are meant to get active themselves, so a workshop is part of every visit. For children aged 2 to 6 there is the ZELF! programme with nine play and art installations, including Monster House, Hospital, Vegetable Stall and Cinderella's Carriage. Children aged 7 to 12 work in "Stad van Onderzoek" with artists on ideas and designs for the city of tomorrow.

In the Zebracafé there is coffee, tea and snacks with a view of the skyline, and in the small shop picture books, cards and craft materials. The house also organises children's birthday parties, welcomes school classes and offers art projects in schools and neighbourhoods. A new programme for 2- to 6-year-olds has been announced for 2027.

Highlights

• ZELF! programme with nine play and art installations for 2- to 6-year-olds
• "Stad van Onderzoek": art projects with artists for 7- to 12-year-olds
• Workshop included in the admission price
• Zebracafé and shop with a view of the Maas and the skyline
• Rooftop sculpture "Gibra" by Albert Kramer

Permanent exhibition

• ZELF! – Nine play and art installations for children aged 2 to 6, from Monster House and Hospital via Vegetable Stall and Tangram Cat to Cinderella's Carriage and Circus Gibra.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Stichting Kinderkunsthal Rotterdam

Director

Lucie Kuijpers

Admission & discounts

Tickets are available online only, not at the desk; an online ticket carries a €1 service fee. Rotterdampas (children up to 17, adults, 65+) free, but reserve online beforehand; children only when accompanied by an adult. The Museumjaarkaart is not valid. The workshop is included in the admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Fully accessible with elevator and accessible toilet; wheelchair users use the main entrance on Stieltjesstraat. No dedicated disabled parking space, but you can get close to the door by car.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 2+

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

For children aged 2 to 12, divided into ZELF! (2–6) and Stad van Onderzoek (7–12). Children's birthday parties for 4- to 10-year-olds (€17.50 per child, up to 10 children, duration 2.5 hours). Children aged 4 to 12 travel free on public transport in Rotterdam.

Getting there & parking

Children aged 4 to 12 travel free on public transport in Rotterdam. Before setting off, check the roadworks status via Rotterdam Onderweg.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi: not available

Zebracafé with a view of the skyline (snacks, drinks), small shop with picture books and handicrafts; card payment only. Outside food and drinks are not allowed (water bottles and baby food excepted).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Three "Zebra Zalen" (55 m², 29 m² and another room on the 1st floor) for meetings, trainings and workshops, only with a drinks package. Enquiries: verhuur@villazebra.nl.

Plan your visit