Stadhuis Rotterdam | Rotterdam

Stadhuis Rotterdam is a monumental government building located on Coolsingel in the city center of Rotterdam. It serves as the seat of the municipal government and is one of the few structures in the district that survived the 1940 Rotterdam Blitz.

Visual Characteristics

The building is constructed in a Beaux-Arts style with heavy symmetrical proportions, featuring a facade of sandstone over a concrete frame. It measures 86 meters wide and 106 meters deep, centered around a 71-meter tall bell tower topped with a golden statue of Peace. The exterior is decorated with various sculptures and medallions representing Dutch virtues and historical figures.

Location & Access Logistics

The landmark is situated at Coolsingel 40, approximately 0.6km south of Rotterdam Centraal station. It is directly accessible via the Stadhuis Metro station (Lines D and E) and Tram lines 21, 23, and 24. Public parking is available at the nearby Interparking Lijnbaan or Q-Park Bijenkorf.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction took place between 1914 and 1920 following a design by architect Henri Evers. It was commissioned to replace the previous city hall on Hoogstraat which had become insufficient for the growing port city’s administrative needs. The foundation rests on 2,333 concrete piles driven into the soft peat soil.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided tours of the interior, including the Citizens' Hall (Burgerzaal) and the Council Chamber, are available by appointment. The central courtyard is accessible to the public during business hours. The carillon in the clock tower performs automated recitals throughout the day, with live performances scheduled weekly.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms are available inside for visitors with appointments or during official business. The building is equipped with modern heating and cooling systems, and 5G cellular signal is strong throughout the premises. There are no food vendors inside the building, but numerous options exist immediately outside on Coolsingel.

Best Time to Visit

The facade is best photographed in the morning when the eastern light hits the sandstone details and the golden statue. For interior access, weekdays during standard business hours (09:00 to 17:00) are required. The courtyard is particularly notable in spring and summer when the gardens are in bloom.

Facts & Legends

Despite the intensive firebombing of Rotterdam in May 1940, the City Hall remained largely intact while the surrounding blocks were leveled. A specific historical oddity is the presence of the "hidden" internal courtyard, which was designed to provide natural light to the interior offices long before modern electrical lighting was standardized.

Nearby Landmarks

Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk (0.5km Southeast)

WTC Rotterdam (0.2km South)

De Bijenkorf (0.3km Southwest)

Luchtsingel Bridge (0.4km North)

Schouwburgplein (0.4km West)