Museumpark

Museumpark is where art, architecture and nature meet. Among striking museums, eye-catching buildings, ponds and greenery, you’ll discover Rotterdam’s cultural heart. Spend a day visiting multiple museums, stroll through the park or relax on one of the terraces. Thanks to its unique blend of culture, design and public space, Museumpark is one of Rotterdam’s most renowned must-sees.

A Park with a Rich History

Museumpark occupies the former estate of the Van Hoboken family. Their villa still stands and now houses the Natural History Museum Rotterdam. Since 1927, the area has taken its current shape based on a design by city architect W.G. Witteveen. Scattered throughout the park, artworks and the memorial to Gerrit de Jongh, former director of Rotterdam’s Public Works, recall this past. Museumpark therefore feels not only like a city park but also like an open-air museum.

Culture Amid the Green

In recent years, Museumpark has been made greener: new trees, colourful plant beds and restored ponds create a pleasant atmosphere. At Nieuwe Instituut, you can walk across a wooden boardwalk over the water and enjoy views of the surrounding museums and striking architecture.

At the heart of the park stands the shimmering Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility. From its rooftop, you have sweeping views of Rotterdam’s skyline and the park. The unique combination of culture, architecture, nature and design makes Museumpark truly special.

Museums around Museumpark

Museumpark forms Rotterdam’s cultural heart. Within minutes you can stroll from one museum to another. Surrounding the park you’ll find:

1. Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen
2. Kunsthal Rotterdam
3. Nieuwe Instituut
4. Chabot Museum Rotterdam
5. Natural History Museum Rotterdam
6. Huis Sonneveld

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen itself is also located by the park, although the museum building is currently undergoing renovation.

Tip: Visit in the Evening

After sunset, Museumpark takes on a completely different atmosphere. At Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, a colourful light installation by artist Pipilotti Rist illuminates the mirrored building and its surroundings until midnight.

Park and Event Venue

In addition to art and culture, Museumpark is a popular place for events. Every year, it hosts festivals, cultural activities and open-air performances. To strengthen this function, work is underway on a renewed and greener event platform. This ensures the park remains an inviting place to walk, relax and enjoy events.

In the Area

From Museumpark, it’s an easy walk to Witte de Withstraat, known for its galleries, cafés and nightlife. The Westersingel, with its international sculpture route, is also close by. Continue towards the Euromast, het Park or the Erasmusbrug and discover why Rotterdam is world-famous for its modern architecture.

Getting Here

Museumpark is about a fifteen-minute walk from Rotterdam Central Station. Travelling by public transport? Tram and metro stop at Eendrachtsplein, just a few minutes from the park. Cycling? You’ll find bike parking facilities around the park. If you’re coming by car, convenient parking is available in the Museumpark garage directly underneath the park.