Mark Rees explores the curious art and architecture of Rotterdam.

Rotterdam: The Curious Side of the Dutch Harbour City

Byreviewwales

During a recent cruise ship gig, I had the opportunity to step ashore and explore Rotterdam – camera in hand.

Having spent so much time talking about Dutch art and architecture – working as a guest speaker and talking about art history – it was nice to get a chance to stretch my legs and check out some of these places in person.

Watch the video below, or check it out on my YouTube channel.

As you can see, Rotterdam is a fascinating mixture of old and new styles, the result of heavy World War bombing meaning that, while there are plenty of surviving traditional buildings dotted around the place, contemporary designers have had the chance to experiment on a grand scale.

I was particularly interested in some of the city’s more curious sights, which included a possible water monster (described as the Rotterdam Nessie it’s probably – but not definitely! – debris), a UFO-like sculpture that doubles up as a train station, and of course, the famous Cube Houses.

Oh, and giant croquette with – as my guide pointed out – surprisingly glamorous legs.

Cruise ship docked in Rotterdam.
Cruise ship docked in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam's Cube Houses designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s.
Rotterdam’s Cube Houses designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s.
Rotterdam's Cube Houses designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s.
Rotterdam’s Cube Houses designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s.
The spectacular Markthal and its enormous Horn of Plenty artwork
The spectacular Markthal and its enormous Horn of Plenty artwork
A UFO - or maybe a train station - in Rotterdam.
A UFO – or maybe a train station – in Rotterdam.
Mark Rees with a giant Croquette in Rotterdam's Markthal.
Mark Rees with a giant Croquette in Rotterdam’s Markthal.
Some unexpected surfing in Rotterdam.
Some unexpected surfing in Rotterdam.
Exploring the arts and architecture of Rotterdam.
Exploring the arts and architecture of Rotterdam.
The Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam.
The Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam.

The Cube Houses were one of the highlights. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s, these remarkable homes were intended to create an urban forest, with each tilted cube representing a tree. Looking at them from underneath – and seeing how the spaces actually work – gives you a very different appreciation of what is one of Rotterdam’s most recognisable landmarks.

I also visited the spectacular Markthal and its enormous Horn of Plenty artwork, took a very fast water taxi beneath the Erasmus Bridge, encountered some unexpected surfing and found plenty more curious sights around this fascinating Dutch port city.

It was a very different experience from simply looking at Dutch architecture in a lecture. Being able to stand beneath the buildings, walk through the streets and see how the city actually works gives you a completely different perspective.

📍 Rotterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱

Be sure to check out the YouTube channel for more cultural adventures!

Got a suggestion for a future cultural adventure? Get in touch!

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