Culture
Museums in Rotterdam
14 museums and cultural institutions, from Wereldmuseum's world cultures to FENIX's migration story.
Rotterdam is a vibrant city known for its bold architecture and rich cultural scene, and its museums are one of the best reasons to visit. Whether you're an art lover, a history buff or travelling with family, there is something for everyone.
Art & Design
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Museumpark 18-20, 3015 CX Rotterdam
One of the oldest and most prestigious art museums in the Netherlands, with a collection spanning medieval art to contemporary work. The museum building itself is closed for a major renovation, with construction due to start in late 2026 and reopening planned for 2030 (source: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, 2026); its international collection is on display in the Depot and at various venues in the Netherlands and abroad in the meantime.
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen
Museumpark 24, 3015 CX Rotterdam
The world's first publicly accessible art storage facility, a striking mirrored building with a rooftop sculpture garden, currently hosting the museum's international collection.
Kunsthal Rotterdam
Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341, 3015 AA Rotterdam
One of the leading cultural institutions in the Netherlands, with more than twenty temporary exhibitions a year covering contemporary art, photography and design.
Het Nieuwe Instituut
Museumpark 25, 3015 CB Rotterdam
A museum focused on architecture, design and digital culture, with exhibitions exploring the intersection of technology and society.
Chabot Museum
Museumpark 11, 3015 CB Rotterdam
A museum dedicated to the work of Dutch painter and sculptor Henk Chabot.
World Cultures, Migration & Photography
Wereldmuseum Rotterdam
Willemskade 25, 3016 DM Rotterdam
A world cultures museum on the Maas waterfront with ethnographic collections from Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. It is a separate institution from Museum Rotterdam, which covers the city's own local history rather than world cultures.
FENIX
Paul Nijghkade 5, 3072 AT Rotterdam
A museum of human migration on the Katendrecht docks, open since May 2025. It houses the Suitcase Labyrinth installation and the Tornado, a spiralling staircase leading to a rooftop viewing deck over the harbour.
Nederlands Fotomuseum
Brede Hilledijk 95, 3072 KD Rotterdam
The Netherlands' national photography museum, relocated to the historic Pakhuis Santos warehouse on Katendrecht in February 2026, with rotating exhibitions from its Dutch photography archive.
History & Maritime
Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam
An immersive look at Rotterdam's maritime history and its role as one of the world's busiest ports, suitable for all ages.
Natural History Museum Rotterdam (Natuurhistorisch Museum)
Westzeedijk 345, 3015 AA Rotterdam
Almost 400,000 objects on the natural history of the city and region, open Tuesday to Sunday.
Museum Rotterdam '40-'45 NU
Coolhaven 375, 3015 GC Rotterdam
Part of the city-wide Museum Rotterdam network, this location covers the 1940 bombing and wartime occupation of the city. Open weekends only, Saturday and Sunday 10:00-17:00; check current hours before visiting.
Unique Attractions
SS Rotterdam
3e Katendrechtsehoofd 25, 3072 AM Rotterdam
The former flagship ocean liner of the Holland America Line, now a hotel and restaurant on the Kop van Zuid offering self-guided ship and engine-room tours daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
Nearby
Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
Hoogstraat 112, 3111 HL Schiedam
A modern and contemporary art museum in neighbouring Schiedam, ten minutes from Rotterdam by train.
Art Gallery Voûte
Lange Nieuwstraat 191, 3111 AJ Schiedam
A gallery in Schiedam, open every weekend 13:00-17:00 and by appointment.
Full detailsFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best museums in Rotterdam?
Rotterdam's leading museums include the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, currently hosting the collection while the main Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen building undergoes renovation, the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, the Kunsthal, and newer additions such as FENIX and Wereldmuseum Rotterdam.
Is Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen open?
The main museum building is closed for a major renovation, with construction due to start in late 2026 and reopening planned for 2030 (source: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, 2026). Its international collection is on display at the Depot and other venues in the meantime.
What is FENIX, Rotterdam's migration museum?
FENIX is a museum on the Katendrecht docks dedicated to human migration, open since May 2025. It houses the Suitcase Labyrinth installation and the Tornado, a spiralling staircase leading to a rooftop viewing deck over the harbour.
What is Wereldmuseum Rotterdam?
Wereldmuseum Rotterdam is a world cultures museum at Willemskade 25 with ethnographic collections from Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. It is a separate institution from Museum Rotterdam, which covers the city's own local history.
Is there a museum about Rotterdam's WWII history?
Yes. Museum Rotterdam '40-'45 NU, part of the city-wide Museum Rotterdam network, covers the 1940 bombing and wartime occupation at Coolhaven 375. It is open weekends only, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
Are there family-friendly museums in Rotterdam?
Yes. The Natural History Museum Rotterdam (Natuurhistorisch Museum) at Westzeedijk 345 holds almost 400,000 objects on the region's natural history and is open Tuesday to Sunday, making it a good option for families alongside the Maritime Museum's interactive exhibits.
Continue exploring: see the Rotterdam things-to-do guide for the city's top landmarks, the art in Rotterdam guide for street art and independent galleries, Rotterdam's history guide for the full story of the 1940 bombing and reconstruction, and Rotterdam with kids for family-friendly museum picks.