Erasmus Bridge & Architecture Tour

The Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug, 1996) — affectionately called "the Swan" by Rotterdammers — is the most elegant bridge in the Netherlands at 802 meters long. Its asymmetrical pylon (139 m high) has become a symbol of Rotterdam. Spectacularly lit at night.

Rotterdam is an open-air museum for architecture. After the bombing on May 14, 1940, which destroyed the entire city center, Rotterdam decided not to reconstruct but to completely rethink. The result is a city that celebrates architectural experiments:

Architectural Highlights

• De Rotterdam — Rem Koolhaas' vertical city: three interlocking towers (150 m), the largest building in the Netherlands. Hotel, offices, apartments in one complex.
• Centraal Station — The main station opened in 2014 with its wedge-shaped stainless steel facade makes an architectural statement upon arrival.
• Timmerhuis — MVRDV's pixel-like city hall: stacked modules that look like a computer graphic.
• Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen — The world's first fully accessible art depot: a mirrored kettle where you can view the museum's collection in storage (not in the museum, but in the depot!). Rooftop garden with panoramic views. Admission: 22.50 €.
• Floating Office Rotterdam — The largest floating office building in Europe in Rijnhaven. Built of wood, energy-neutral — Rotterdam's response to climate change.