• Museum Rotterdam outside view with trees in front
  • Museum Rotterdam internal view with digital information about the city of Rotterdam
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Museum Rotterdam

Museum Rotterdam

Museum Rotterdam ‘40–’45 NU is a deeply evocative institution that focuses exclusively on Rotterdam’s traumatic experience during World War II, particularly the devastating bombing on May 14, 1940, which obliterated much of the city center. In just 15 minutes, the Luftwaffe’s airstrike killed nearly 900 people, injured thousands, and left 80,000 homeless. This moment marked the beginning of a dark chapter in Rotterdam's history—but also the emergence of its long journey of resilience, resistance, and renewal.

Opening hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00

How to get there

Coolhaven 375, Rotterdam

Prices from

From €10.00

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Museum Rotterdam – The story of the city and its people

Museum Rotterdam shows the history of Rotterdam. It tells how the city grew, changed, and survived. The museum focuses on people, daily life, and local stories.

What to See

  • Objects from life in Rotterdam through the years
  • Stories about war, rebuilding, and hope
  • Exhibits on fashion, sports, and street culture
  • Photos, videos, and things you can touch and explore
  • Temporary shows about life in the city today

Why Visit

  • Learn what makes Rotterdam unique
  • See how people shaped the city after the war
  • Perfect for locals and visitors alike
  • Great mix of history, culture, and real stories

The Museum

Museum Rotterdam started in 1905. It began as a city history museum. Today, it focuses more on people than on things. The museum works with residents to share real stories from all parts of the city.

Visitor Information

  • Address: Check website for current location and events
  • Open: Times vary depending on exhibitions
  • Tickets: Often free or low-cost
  • Free with Museumkaart (if listed)
  • Facilities: Pop-up shows, tours, and school visits

Museum Rotterdam is great for visitors who want to explore real stories, local culture, and life in the city.

Some Highlights of Museum Rotterdam

"De aanval" (The Attack)

"De aanval" (The Attack) is the central visual highlight of Museum Rotterdam ’40–’45 NOW—a powerful, room-sized multimedia installation that immerses visitors in the devastating events of May 14, 1940. A long central table lined with digital screens displays archival footage, while surrounding wall projections erupt with images of fire, destruction, and chaos. Accompanied by intense sound effects, the installation vividly simulates the bombing of Rotterdam, offering a visceral and emotional experience that captures the fear, loss, and resilience of that day.

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Objectenkabinet (Object Cabinet)

This photo captures a detailed view of the Objectenkabinet (Object Cabinet) at Museum Rotterdam ’40–’45 NOW, a glass display case filled with authentic artifacts from World War II. The cabinet presents personal belongings, military gear, photographs, documents, posters, and household items used by citizens during the war. Each object tells a unique story of survival, loss, and everyday life under occupation. From helmets and ration cards to fragments of bombed buildings and local newspapers, the display offers a tangible connection to the lived experiences of Rotterdammers during and after the devastating bombing of May 14, 1940. In the background, interpretive panels like "De Aanloop" (The Build-Up) provide context, helping visitors trace the timeline and social climate leading up to the attack.

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Cropped image of a construction site showing scaffolding, workers, and partially built structures in an urban setting.

The Construction Site

The Construction Site is an interactive exhibition for children aged 8 and up. At The Construction Site, you learn how to contribute to creating a pleasant city. You don’t build with bricks and cement, but with each other. To do this, you use machines like power sorters, tolerance meters, regret tubes, and respect rollers. Through play, you solve conflicts, explore the limits of freedom, and discover the difference between a democracy and a dictatorship.

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