From Germany to Rotterdam: a creative autumn on the waterfront

Rotterdam continues to be an open-air laboratory for architecture and the visual arts. One of the highlights of this season is the Danshuis, the new 8,000-square-metre dance centre designed by Mad Architects, situated next to the Fenix cultural hub. Externally, the building is enveloped by the ‘Wall of Dance’, a photographic installation by Paul Kooiker depicting 64 dancers from different generations and backgrounds. Until 20 September 2026, the Groot Rotterdams Atelier Weekend (Graw) offers visitors the chance to step straight into the studios of local artists and designers, providing a close-up view of the city’s creative scene. From 21 to 24 October, the ‘Left of the Dial’ music festival presents a programme dedicated to the emerging international scene, with concerts hosted in cafés and independent cultural venues. Autumn also marks a major tribute to Willem de Kooning, who was born in Rotterdam: three of his bronze sculptures are on display on the Fenix waterfront, whilst the Rijksmuseum is hosting the exhibition “Willem de Kooning at work” from 9 October 2026, focusing on his drawings.