Tramhuis opens as kiosk for city walks
In 1914, the Art Nouveau-style Tram House emerged as a modern guardhouse for tram passengers. It survived the 1940 bombing and was then moved several times during reconstruction. In the 1970s, it was given a catering function and ended up as a night café and kebab shop. At the initiative of Stadsherstel Rotterdam and Droom en Daad, the building was completely dismantled and carefully restored. On Saturday 14 February, Tramhuis will reopen its doors at Eendrachtsplein, as a kiosk for city walks.
A 1931 photograph from the City Archives served as an important reference for the restoration by Bureau Polderman. Specialist restoration contractors Koninklijke Woudenberg and Terberg Totaal Installaties restored the Tramhuis. Studio Robert van Oosterom designed a timeless and attractive interior.
The 1931 photo from the City Archives
Themed walks
Tramhuis offers various themed walks that allow you to see Rotterdam through different eyes. Individually or together, independently or with professional city guides. The walking tours with city guide give Rotterdam new faces and tell the city's personal stories. Tramway routes are also available as podwalk or walking booklet. These have been compiled by nationally and internationally renowned Rotterdammers: actress Loes Luca, artist Joep van Lieshout, architect Winy Maas and food-influencer Mooncake (Jonneke de Zeeuw). The routes take walkers past their favourite culture, art, architecture and culinary spots. There is also a special route for families, which lets children look differently at their surroundings and the city in a playful and accessible way. Starting this spring, 'Hartstochtjes', walks with a social and connecting character, will be organised in cooperation with civil society organisations.
"In a city like Rotterdam, you can keep walking. By looking at the city from a different perspective each time, you always discover something new," says Marjolein van den Blink, director of Tramhuis.
Detailed photos by Florian Braakman
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