Depot

Depot, The Architectural Spectacle That Reflects Rotterdam

The Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen has become one of Rotterdam’s newest architectural icons.

Its round shape and mirrored surface don’t go unnoticed: from any angle, the building blends seamlessly with the sky, the adjacent park, and the city skyline.

But the real magic isn’t just on the outside—inside, you’ll find something truly one-of-a-kind.

What makes the Depot so special?

This is the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility—something that, until recently, was unheard of.

Instead of hiding collections behind closed doors, the Depot opens them up and invites you to discover over 150,000 artworks stored in various climate conditions, visible through glass cases, elevated walkways, and staircases that wind through a stunning central atrium.

The collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, organic and inorganic objects, and more

It’s a space that doesn’t just preserve art—it shows it in its raw, behind-the-scenes form, offering a glimpse into what’s usually hidden in a traditional museum.

A design that combines function and spectacle

Designed by the renowned architectural firm MVRDV, led by Winy Maas, the Depot is located in Museumpark, right next to the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum (currently under renovation until 2028).

The building stands 39.5 meters tall and covers approximately 15,500 square meters across seven levels.

Its egg-like shape isn’t just for looks—it helps maximize interior space and improve energy efficiency.

The Depot officially opened on November 6, 2021, after years of planning and construction.

A façade that changes everything

One of the most striking features of the Depot is its reflective façade, made up of 1,664 mirrored glass panels covering 6,609 square meters.

This eye-catching design not only creates a stunning visual effect but also minimizes the building’s visual impact on its surroundings by reflecting the park, sky, and nearby architecture.

Many of the panels were even “adopted” by local residents and cultural organizations in Rotterdam—a symbolic gesture of support for the project.

What’s inside the Depot?

Inside, the Depot houses five different climate zones, each designed to preserve specific types of artworks—from paintings and photographs to organic and inorganic materials.

There are also four restoration studios where visitors can observe conservation work up close. This open, educational approach is one of the reasons the Depot has received international praise.

Beyond its role as a storage facility, the Depot also features temporary exhibition spaces, an auditorium/cinema, a restaurant, and an impressive rooftop garden.

Sitting 35 meters above ground, the garden includes 75 birch trees and several pine species that were specially grown in nurseries to adapt to rooftop conditions.

The view over the city from here is truly spectacular.

Het Nieuwe Instituut building reflected in Depot’s mirrors

An example of sustainable architecture

The Depot also stands out for its sustainable design.

It incorporates geothermal energy systems, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and recycled materials, making it a leading example of green construction and responsible contemporary architecture.

The total construction cost was around 100 million euros, with one-third funded through private donations.

A hit from day one

Since its official opening, interest in the Depot has been enormous.

During the preview event, all 7,000 tickets sold out in just three hours. Today, the building attracts between 150,000 and 250,000 visitors annually.

This building isn’t just a place to see art—it is a work of art. It offers a museum experience like no other and is an unmissable stop for anyone wanting to explore Rotterdam’s architecture from a fresh, open-minded perspective.

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