Copenhagen and Rotterdam shape the future through culture and design.
Photographs: Various
Text: Ophelia Wu
As a child visiting my family in the Netherlands, the name Rotterdam always stuck with me for some reason. Yet, in my mind, I associated it with windmills, wooden clogs, and cheese factories. Years later, through my work with Rotterdam Partners, I became more familiar with the city, each visit revealing something new. On my most recent trip, I was once again struck by how much Rotterdam had changed since my last visit before COVID-19.
A dynamic yet understated city, Rotterdam is a hidden gem often overshadowed by Amsterdam—much like Aarhus in Denmark, which sits in the shadow of Copenhagen. While Amsterdam evokes nostalgia and romance, Rotterdam exudes a bold, modern energy. Similarly, Copenhagen is both innovative and sustainable yet romantic and historic. Likewise, Aarhus is known for its laid-back, creative, and intimate atmosphere.
Unlike Amsterdam, which has preserved much of its 17th-century architecture while integrating modern developments in emerging neighbourhoods, Rotterdam was largely destroyed during World War II. As a result, only a small part of its historic buildings remains, and the city had no choice but to rebuild. Today, Rotterdam has become synonymous with youth, creativity, and sustainability. As you wander through the city, you'll often see high-rise skyscrapers alongside historical buildings and modern designs juxtaposed with heritage architecture. It is this contrast that makes Rotterdam so compelling, reflecting its rich diversity and creativity. Some might find it "unplanned" or "quirky", but that's precisely its charm—a city that embraces and respects all facets of urban life and is full of curiosity.
Rotterdam's ever-evolving cultural scene: Museums as markers of change
Reinvention lies at the heart of Rotterdam's identity. Every visit brings new discoveries—whether it's a museum undergoing renovation, a newly opened cultural space, or a city-wide initiative designed to promote sustainability. Unlike other Dutch cities, Rotterdam stands uniquely on its own. It is a playground of creative freedom, where architecture, urban planning, and design push boundaries in ways that feel almost experimental.
While deeply rooted in Dutch heritage, Rotterdam is constantly evolving. With strong government support, it attracts creatives and youngsters from around the world. This balance between preservation and innovation is reflected in its cultural institutions, which embrace transformation while honouring their past.
Like Amsterdam, Rotterdam offers a continuous rotation of compelling exhibitions and cultural spaces. The Kunsthal is a prime example. Since its opening in 1992, its design has sparked as much conversation and attention as the exhibitions it houses. Each façade is distinct, with no clear front or back; at times, the building feels open and transparent; at others, it feels closed and introspective. Its striking aesthetic is attributed to unconventional materials like corrugated plastic, galvanised steel grating, and raw tree trunks. Inside, seven distinct exhibition spaces create varied atmospheres, using natural light to shift perspectives throughout the day. The Kunsthal collaborates with major international museums, hosting exhibitions spanning fashion, photography, and contemporary art.
Though tempting to call it a museum, it isn’t—the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility, challenges conventional museum culture and experience. Its futuristic mirrored façade reflects Rotterdam’s experimental architectural language, while its function is just as bold. It takes a moment to fully grasp the concept of the Depot, as it differs from traditional galleries. Offering visitors an intimate behind-the-scenes look at curation, conservation, and restoration, it embodies transparency in the art world. This contrasts with Copenhagen's more traditional museum approach, showcasing the distinct ways in which both cities engage with culture.
History reimagined: Transforming the past for the future
Rotterdam doesn't just preserve its history—it reinvents it. It is a young city with an old soul. A striking example is the Van Nelle Factory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an icon of modernist and functionalist architecture. Once a thriving production facility for coffee, tea, and tobacco, this national monument has been reimagined as a creative hub, housing design studios and cultural enterprises. Similarly, Sonneveld House offers a glimpse into Rotterdam's past. It is a former private residence of one of the Van Nelle Factory's directors turned museum and one of the finest examples of the functionalist Nieuwe Bouwen style, designed in the early 1930s. Stepping inside feels like travelling back in time, as every detail has been meticulously restored. This experience mirrors that of Finn Juhl's House in Denmark, where mid-century Danish design is presented not just as an exhibit but as a lived-in space.
Unlike Copenhagen, where historic buildings are often restored to maintain their original function, Rotterdam embraces reinvention, repurposing old spaces in innovative ways. This approach is echoed in Copenhagen's Carlsberg Byen and Nordhavn, where former industrial sites have been transformed into vibrant cultural and residential districts.
A perfect example of Rotterdam's evolving relationship with its industrial and cultural past is the upcoming Fenix, set to open in 2025. The museum will explore themes of movement, displacement, and integration, reflecting the city's past and its ongoing transformation. Housed in a repurposed warehouse originally built in 1923 for the Holland-America Line, this building was once the world's largest storage and transhipment facility at the harbour. Located directly across from Hotel New York—the former Holland-America Line terminal—it is a site deeply rooted in Rotterdam’s migration history. This terminal once served as the departure point for thousands of Dutch emigrants heading to the Americas, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For many, it was the last glimpse of home before embarking on a new life overseas. Conversely, it was also a welcoming point for immigrants arriving in the Netherlands, making it a pivotal place in the history of Dutch migration. Today, the terminal's historical significance is honoured as it continues to stand as a symbol of Rotterdam’s evolving role as a hub of movement and cultural exchange. It is only fitting that this location is home to a museum dedicated to the deeply moving and personal stories of migration that have shaped both Rotterdam and the Netherlands.
A step into the future
If there is a city leading the way in sustainability and green initiatives, Rotterdam is at the forefront. It integrates greenery into urban planning with projects such as DakAkker—one of the largest rooftop farms in Europe; the Floating Farm—the world's first floating dairy farm, which operates in a circular system where cows are fed residual products from Rotterdam breweries and Schiedam windmills; and the Sponge City—filled with thirsty plants designed to absorb and retain excess water. In Copenhagen, we see a similar commitment to sustainability, from CopenHill’s innovative waste-to-energy plant to the city's ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025. Both cities exemplify how green initiatives can be seamlessly woven into everyday life.
But Rotterdam’s vision for the future extends beyond sustainability—it is equally bold in its architecture. Just as it rebuilt itself from the ground up after World War II, the city embraces bold and futuristic design. Iconic landmarks such as the Cube Houses, Markthal, and Rotterdam Central Station are not just visually striking; they are testaments to the city's ability to blend functionality with architectural uniqueness. Similarly, Copenhagen balances modernity and heritage with structures like BLOX and The Royal Danish Library, where contemporary design coexists with the city’s historic heritage.
Ultimately, Rotterdam is a city that never stands still. It is constantly evolving, reshaping its cultural, architectural, and urban landscape with an experimental spirit. From its museums and repurposed heritage sites to its green initiatives and futuristic skyline, it embodies a vision of the future while embracing the depth of its past. Much like Copenhagen, it proves that reinvention and tradition can thrive side by side, creating a city that is both ever-changing and deeply rooted in identity.