Calypso

Calypso: design from another planet

The Calypso building in Rotterdam is located right in the city centre, beside Westersingel and just a few minutes’ walk from Rotterdam Centraal. Its sloping forms, undulating façades and striking shades of red and orange make it one of the city’s most recognisable contemporary buildings.

Designed by British architect William Alsop and his practice Alsop Architects, with Van der Laan Bouma Architekten responsible for the technical development of the project, the complex was completed in 2013.

Calypso reaches approximately 71 metres in height and has 22 floors. The complex contains 407 apartments, as well as offices, shops and parking facilities.

History of the Calypso building and its surroundings

The present-day Calypso and Pauluskerk were built on a site with an interesting urban history. The Rijnhotel, the former Calypso cinema and the first Pauluskerk previously stood here.

This area was also close to the boundary between the part of Rotterdam’s city centre destroyed during the bombing of May 1940 and the neighbourhoods that survived the destruction.

The later transformation of this site reflects Rotterdam’s evolution particularly well: from post-war reconstruction to the contemporary architecture that now characterises much of the city centre.

The former Calypso cinema

The Calypso cinema opened its doors in 1969. Before becoming a cinema, part of the building had been used as a youth centre and gymnasium.

The main auditorium had 564 seats and, during 1975 and 1976, the complex was expanded with two additional screens accommodating 313 and 81 spectators respectively.

Calypso was also notable for introducing technical innovations for its time, including Dolby Stereo sound and modern film projection systems.

Calypso and the International Film Festival Rotterdam

The former Calypso was closely associated with the International Film Festival Rotterdam, whose first edition was held in 1972.

Calypso and ‘t Venster were two of the cinemas used during the early years of the festival, which would eventually become one of Rotterdam’s major cultural events and one of Europe’s best-known film festivals.

Urban transformation and new architecture

In 1999, the former Calypso building was acquired by the municipality and was later used for cultural activities connected with Rotterdam European Capital of Culture 2001.

For several years the building had other uses, including the Hyper Hyper club, before the decision was made to completely redevelop the site.

The new project resulted in the construction of the present-day Calypso residential complex and, at the same time, a new Pauluskerk, creating one of the most distinctive architectural ensembles in central Rotterdam.

The new Pauluskerk

The present-day Pauluskerk forms part of the Calypso architectural complex, although its appearance is clearly different.

Its structure is clad in copper and features angular forms that contrast with the red, undulating façades of the rest of the complex. The bell from the former church was incorporated into the new building.

In addition to its religious role, the Pauluskerk continues to perform an important social function, providing assistance and various services to people in vulnerable situations.

Calypso: practical information

Other buildings in Rotterdam

Belvedere | Centraal Station | Cooltoren | De Rotterdam | De Zalmhaven | Delftse Poort | Depot | Euromast | Maastoren | Markthal | Millennium Tower | WTC