Markthal

Markthal: market and architectural landmark

The Markthal Rotterdam is one of the city’s best-known attractions and one of the finest examples of how Rotterdam combines architecture, housing, gastronomy and public space within a single building.

Located beside Blaak, the complex has a distinctive horseshoe shape surrounding an enormous central hall filled with food stalls, restaurants and shops.

The building was designed by architecture firm MVRDV and opened in 2014, quickly becoming one of Rotterdam’s modern architectural icons.

A huge work of art above the market

One of the most spectacular features of the Markthal can be found above the heads of its visitors.

The inside of the arch is covered by the enormous artwork Horn of Plenty, created by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. Flowers, fruit, vegetables, seeds, insects and other elements appear enlarged to enormous proportions across the interior surface of the building.

The artwork covers approximately 11,000 m² and has sometimes been compared to a modern version of a vast decorated vault. Its vibrant colours contrast with the grey structure of the market and make the interior one of Rotterdam’s most photographed architectural spaces.

Architecture of the Markthal

The building rises approximately 40 metres and combines a large residential structure with a covered market inside.

At both ends of the arch are two enormous transparent façades that allow the interior to be seen from outside while protecting the central hall from wind and rain.

More than 200 homes are arranged around the market, with windows facing both the exterior and the large central hall. This combination makes the Markthal much more than simply a market: it is simultaneously a residential building, commercial space and meeting place.

Market, restaurants and food

The large central hall contains numerous stalls selling fresh produce, international specialities, sweets, cheese, fish, meat and many other food products.

There are also restaurants, cafés, shops and other businesses, so you can visit the Markthal either to shop or simply to enjoy something to eat while admiring its architecture.

The mixture of visitors, residents, tourists and shoppers makes the interior one of the liveliest spaces in central Rotterdam.

History of the Markthal

The Markthal was built in one of the oldest historic areas of Rotterdam, close to the site where some of the first settlements of the medieval city developed.

During excavations carried out before construction, numerous archaeological remains connected with former buildings and inhabitants of Rotterdam were discovered.

Some of these objects and discoveries were incorporated into the project itself, preserving the history of the site beneath one of the city’s most modern buildings.

Construction began in 2009 and the Markthal was officially opened in October 2014 by Queen Máxima.

What to see around the Markthal

The Markthal is located in one of the most interesting areas of the city centre for discovering Rotterdam’s architecture.

Right beside it are the famous Cube Houses, Blaak station and the historic Oudehaven. You can also easily walk from here to Sint-Laurenskerk.

For this reason, the Markthal fits perfectly into a walking route connecting some of the main attractions in central Rotterdam.

Markthal Rotterdam: practical information

Opening hours for the market stalls, restaurants and shops may vary, so it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

Other buildings in Rotterdam

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