Kunstinstituut Melly
Kunstinstituut Melly, contemporary art in Rotterdam
Kunstinstituut Melly is a contemporary art centre located on Witte de Withstraat, one of Rotterdam’s main cultural streets.
The institute presents exhibitions and projects dedicated to contemporary art, with particular attention to new ideas, international artists and themes related to society and contemporary culture.
It is housed in a historic four-storey building originally constructed in the 1870s as a girls’ school.
From Witte de With to Kunstinstituut Melly
The institute was founded in 1990 under the name Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art. On 27 January 2021, it officially changed its name to Kunstinstituut Melly following a multi-year process of discussion and reflection about its previous name.
Witte de With was a 17th-century Dutch naval officer who served with the VOC and WIC, companies that played an important role in Dutch colonial expansion. The institute decided to move away from this name and adopt an identity that better reflected its contemporary values and vision.
The new name is connected to Melly Shum Hates Her Job, a well-known work by Canadian artist Ken Lum that has been displayed on the building’s façade since 1990.
Exhibitions and activities
Kunstinstituut Melly organises exhibitions, discussions, educational programmes, publications, events and projects with artists. Its programme aims to encourage dialogue between artists, visitors and different communities.
The institute also plays an important role in presenting international artists in Rotterdam and in creating exchanges between the local and international art scenes.
Exhibitions and programmes change regularly, so the experience can be different each time you visit.
Kunstinstituut Melly: practical information
| ℹ️ QUICK INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Name | Kunstinstituut Melly |
| 🎨 Focus | Contemporary art |
| 📅 Founded | 1990 |
| 📍 Area | Witte de Withstraat |
| 📌 Address | Witte de Withstraat 50, 3012 BR Rotterdam |
| ⏳ Visit | Approximately 1–1.5 hours |
Before visiting, you can check current exhibitions, opening times, activities and visitor information on the official Kunstinstituut Melly website.
What to see near Kunstinstituut Melly
Its location on Witte de Withstraat makes it easy to combine your visit with other nearby cultural spaces. Within a few minutes’ walk you can find the Kunsthal, the Chabot Museum and Het Nieuwe Instituut.
Other museums in Rotterdam
40-45 NOW | Chabot Museum | Duoane Museum | Fenix Museum | Het Nieuwe Instituut | Kunsthal | Mariniers Museum | Maritiem Museum | Museum Boijmans | Natuurhistorisch Museum | Nederlands Fotomuseum| Wereldmuseum