As during World War II, the city of Rotterdam (Netherlands) was severely damaged, and the city center was almost completely flattened. A decision was made not to restore the old structures, but rather to reconstruct the city with a focus on functionality and modernity. Consequently, sightseeing in the city center is more about spending time among the modern buildings and enjoying leisure time. One of the buildings worth visiting is the Markthal of Rotterdam.

The Markthal of Rotterdam combines residential and commercial spaces in a single structure. Opened in 2014, it was designed by MVRDV, a renowned Dutch architectural firm. Before Markthal was constructed, the site was primarily an open market square known as the Binnenrotte. It was one of the largest market squares in the Netherlands and hosted a bustling outdoor market. This market tradition continues today, with an outdoor market still operating adjacent to Markthal on specific days.

The Martkhal seen from the outside (in the middle).

The building is an arch-shaped structure constructed using a combination of concrete and steel, with a glass facade on both ends of the arch with a large covered market hall in the center. The glass facades allow natural light to flood the interior. The arch contains more than 200 apartments, many of which have windows facing the interior market space. The design includes sound insulation to ensure that residents are not disturbed by the market activities.

The interior of Markthal hosts more than 100 fresh food stalls, numerous food shops and restaurants. It offers a wide variety of products, including local Dutch specialties, international cuisines, fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of ready-to-eat meals and snacks. The Markthal also includes a supermarket and a huge underground parking garage providing convenient access for both residents and visitors.

The inner walls and ceiling of the market are adorned with a massive artwork called “Horn of Plenty” by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. This colorful digital mural spans over 11,000 square meters, depicting enlarged images of fruits, vegetables, and other food items, creating a visually stimulating environment. “Horn of Plenty” was created using advanced digital techniques and printed on perforated aluminum panels.

Our stay in Rotterdam was only for around two hours as we wanted to grasp a glimpse of this city on our way from Kinderdijk to The Hague. As I had some problems with walking and needed to rest longer than my fellow companions, I decided to spend most of the time inside the Markethal, taking photos as well as making use of the rich food offer. The Markethal’s modern and vibrant architecture made it a fascinating spot for photography, with its colorful ceiling artwork and bustling atmosphere. I also took the opportunity to explore the various stalls and indulge in some local delicacies. My choice was slices of herring and fish soup.