Stadhuis

Stadhuis Rotterdam: the city hall that survived the bombing

The Stadhuis Rotterdam, located on Coolsingel, is one of the most important historic buildings in the city centre and one of the few major monuments in this area to survive the bombing of Rotterdam in 1940.

The construction of a new city hall formed part of Rotterdam’s ambitious modernisation plans at the beginning of the 20th century. The old city hall on Kaasmarkt had become too small for a city whose population was growing rapidly as a result of the development of the port.

To create the new city centre, the old Zandstraat district, a well-known working-class neighbourhood and nightlife area, was demolished. At the same time, part of the former Coolvest canal was filled in to transform Coolsingel into a grand avenue representing the new Rotterdam.

The design of Henri Evers

Architect Henri Evers was chosen to design the new city hall. His proposal was approved by the municipal council in 1913, although the decision caused considerable controversy among architects and sections of Rotterdam society.

Construction began in 1914, and Queen Wilhelmina officially laid the foundation stone on 15 July 1915. Building work continued during the First World War, which created difficulties in obtaining some of the materials from other European countries.

The building gradually came into use, and on 1 September 1920 the first meeting of the municipal council was held in its new council chamber.

The monumental building was designed according to the principles of Beaux-Arts architecture, with a symmetrical composition and an imposing natural-stone façade. Its architecture also incorporates Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine influences, together with a monumental central tower.

Art and decoration of the Stadhuis

The interior and exterior of the Stadhuis were carefully decorated with sculptures, paintings and other works of art, many of them financed through donations from prominent Rotterdam families and companies.

One of its most recognisable features is the monumental tower, approximately 75 metres high, which was the tallest structure in Rotterdam when it was built.

At the top stands the Vredesengel, or Angel of Peace, designed by Johan Keller. The sculpture was donated by the Rueb family of entrepreneurs, and its symbolism is connected with the First World War and the desire for peace.

The building also contains important ceremonial spaces, including the municipal council chamber, the Burgerzaal and several rooms used for official receptions and weddings.

The bombing of Rotterdam in 1940

On 14 May 1940, much of Rotterdam’s historic city centre was destroyed during the German bombing and the enormous fires that followed.

The Stadhuis stood within the affected area and was also hit, but it managed to survive. Its modern reinforced-concrete structure provided considerable resistance to the fire and helped prevent the complete destruction of the building.

After the ruins of the surrounding buildings were cleared away, the city hall stood almost isolated in the middle of a vast devastated area. This image turned the Stadhuis into one of the symbols of the survival of old Rotterdam.

Stadhuis Rotterdam today

More than a century after its construction, the Stadhuis continues to fulfil its original purpose and remains the seat of Rotterdam’s municipal government.

The municipal council meets here, and the mayor and aldermen also work in the building. Various administrative services are provided here, and civil weddings are held inside the historic city hall.

The building is protected as a Rijksmonument, or Dutch national monument, and forms an important part of the Netherlands’ protected architectural heritage.

Its monumental façade, tower and inner courtyard make it one of the most interesting historic buildings to see while walking along Coolsingel.

Stadhuis Rotterdam: practical information

Here you can read some of the reviews visitors have left on Google about Stadhuis Rotterdam.

Other monuments in Rotterdam

Bibliotheek | Groot Handelsgebouw | Hoofdpostkantoor | Hotel New York | Kubuswoningen | Schielandshuis | Sint-Laurenskerk | ss Rotterdam | Van Nelle | Watertoren | Witte Huis