Museums
The best museums in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is home to some of the most interesting museums in the Netherlands. From major collections of art and design to museums dedicated to maritime history, photography, architecture and local history, the city offers something for almost every interest.
In this guide, you’ll discover some of the best museums in Rotterdam, what you can see in each one and which museums are especially worth visiting during your stay.
| ℹ️ Quick Information | |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Museums and cultural venues | More than 15 museums and cultural attractions |
| ⭐ Must-see museums | Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, Kunsthal, Maritime Museum and Wereldmuseum |
| 🎨 Main themes | Art, history, photography, architecture and maritime culture |
| 👨👩👧 Best for | Adults, families and rainy days |
| ⏳ Recommended time | Around 1–3 hours per museum |
| 🎟️ Tickets & discounts | Museumkaart and other discount cards are accepted at selected museums |
| 🏛️ Which museum should you visit in Rotterdam? | |
|---|---|
| 🎨 If you like art | Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, Kunsthal and Chabot Museum |
| 🏗️ If you are interested in architecture and design | Het Nieuwe Instituut |
| 👨👩👧 If you are visiting with children or family | Maritime Museum and Natural History Museum Rotterdam |
| 🌍 If you want to discover other cultures | Wereldmuseum and Fenix |
| 📷 If you love photography | Nederlands Fotomuseum |
| 📖 If you are interested in history | Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU and Marines Museum |
1940-45 Nu
The museum provides a detailed account of the city’s history during and after World War II.
Boijmanns
The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is the oldest and best-known museum in the city.
Chabot
The museum manages one of the finest collections of works by expressionist artist Henk Chabot.
Art museums in Rotterdam
Rotterdam has a diverse selection of art museums, ranging from major collections to contemporary exhibitions, architecture, design and museums dedicated to individual artists.
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. One of Rotterdam’s most important art museums, with a collection ranging from medieval art to modern and contemporary works. Its collection includes works by artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Dalí.
Het Nieuwe Instituut. A museum and cultural centre dedicated to architecture, design and digital culture. It is an essential stop for anyone interested in architecture and contemporary design.
Kunsthal Rotterdam. Known for its constantly changing programme of temporary exhibitions covering art, photography, fashion, design and popular culture.
Chabot Museum. A small museum in Museumpark dedicated primarily to the work of Dutch expressionist artist Henk Chabot. It is housed in a striking modernist villa.
Kunsthal
Kunsthal Museum is a center that organizes temporary exhibitions in the field of art and culture.
Wereld
Wereldmuseum, by the river, has a collection of more than 80,000 objects from all over the world.
Mariniers
In addition to four centuries of martial history, it also features exhibits on recent events.
Historical and themed museums in Rotterdam
Rotterdam also has several museums dedicated to maritime history, photography, nature and other specialised subjects.
Maritime Museum. One of the oldest maritime museums in the Netherlands and a must-see for anyone interested in Rotterdam’s close relationship with the sea, shipping and its port.
Nederlands Fotomuseum. Dedicated to Dutch photography, with an extensive collection covering the development of photography from the 20th century to the present day.
Natural History Museum Rotterdam. A museum dedicated to nature and biodiversity, with collections and exhibitions exploring animals, plants, fossils and the natural world.
Douane Museum. A more specialised museum offering an unusual look at the history of customs, taxation and smuggling in the Netherlands.
RUTAS
Fenix Museum
Museum of Migration
Opened in 2025
Art galleries in Rotterdam
Kunstinstituut Melly. One of Rotterdam’s leading contemporary art institutions, known for exhibitions featuring both emerging and established artists.
Fenix. Opened in 2025, Fenix is a museum dedicated to migration and the stories of people who have moved around the world. Its location in Rotterdam’s historic port area connects the museum closely with the city’s long history of migration.
Tips for visiting museums in Rotterdam
Opening hours. Opening days and times vary between museums, so it is worth checking the official website before your visit, especially on Mondays and public holidays.
Tickets and discounts. If you plan to visit several museums, check whether cards such as the Rotterdampas, Rotterdam City Card or Museumkaart can save you money.
Guided tours. Many museums offer guided tours, workshops and other activities that can help you get more out of the exhibitions.
Fotomuseum
The museum’s collection represents an important part of the photographic history of the Netherlands.
Instituut Melly
Founded in 1990, Kunstinstituut Melly is one of the most important contemporary art institutes in the Netherlands.
Maritiem
The Maritime Museum, founded in 1874 by Prince Hendrik, is the oldest maritime museum in the Netherlands.
Other museums and art galleries in Rotterdam
MaMA Rotterdam
Kunstuitleen Rotterdam
Kunstinstituut Melly
De Galerie Rotterdam
Dock Gallery
VIVID Gallery
Natuur-Historish
Exhibitions, activities, information, and collections in the field of animal life and the natural environment.
Douane Museum
The museum displays objects from the last 15 centuries that illustrate the history of taxes and customs.
Nieuwe Instituut
Het Nieuwe Instituut, located in the Museumpark, is a museum of architecture, design, and digital culture.
Museums in Rotterdam
Whether you are interested in classical art, architecture, maritime history, photography or contemporary exhibitions, Rotterdam has museums for all kinds of visitors.
Explore our individual museum guides to find opening hours, collections, tickets and practical information before your visit.
Many of Rotterdam’s best-known museums are located in or around Museumpark, making it easy to combine several museums in a single day without needing to use public transport.