Where Food, Art, and Architecture Come Together
Welcome to the Markthal Rotterdam, one of the Netherlands’ most remarkable landmarks and a true feast for the senses. Imagine walking into a gigantic arch-shaped building made of glass and steel, surrounded by sleek apartments and buzzing food stalls, while an enormous colorful artwork stretches across the ceiling above you. This isn’t just a market hall — it’s a modern architectural wonder, a cultural experience, and a culinary paradise all in one.
Designed by the Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, the Markthal has become one of Rotterdam’s most visited attractions. Its signature glass walls and steel frame form a stunning curve over a lively food hall that feels more like an indoor festival than a traditional market. As you look up, you’ll see the breathtaking Horn of Plenty, a 11,000-square-meter artwork by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam, often described as Rotterdam’s answer to the Sistine Chapel. The massive digital rendering depicts fruits, flowers, seeds, and butterflies in dazzling colors that transform the entire ceiling into a work of art.
But what truly makes this place special is what happens beneath that sky of color. More than 100 vendors fill the hall with everything from fresh cheese and artisanal chocolate to sushi, tacos, and custard tarts. You can sample handmade olive oils, sip local wines, or grab a bite of sustainable food from one of the many culinary concepts that showcase Rotterdam’s creative spirit. Whether you’re exploring during the World Food Festival or just stopping by for a quick lunch, you’ll find flavors from every corner of the world here.
Right outside, the setting is just as inspiring. The Markthal rises from the historic Binnenrotte square, where Rotterdam was first founded near the old Rotta stream. Across the street, you’ll spot the St. Lawrence Church and the Blaak Station, a futuristic metro stop that makes getting here incredibly easy. And yes, there’s plenty of parking beneath the building if you’re driving.
The Markthal isn’t only a place to eat and shop; it’s a symbol of urban regeneration, turning a once ordinary district into a dynamic hub of architecture, culture, and community. It’s also home to residential units, retail spaces, and cozy cafés where you can people-watch with a fresh pastry from PieMan Bakery or a chocolate treat from MoMade.
Hidden Gems and Tasty Discoveries at the Markthal
A Feast Beyond the Food Stalls
While the Markthal Rotterdam dazzles visitors with its enormous Horn of Plenty artwork, there’s much more to explore once you step inside. Behind the bright displays and buzzing vendors, you’ll find small treasures that make this place more than just a food hall. Some stalls have been there since the opening, offering a glimpse into Rotterdam’s local culinary heart. Look for family-run businesses that sell Dutch cheeses, stroopwafels, and artisanal chocolates crafted with care and tradition.
A must-visit is PieMan Bakery, known for its warm apple pie and creamy custard tarts. Just a few steps away, MoMade delights chocolate lovers with handmade pralines and artistic chocolate sculptures that are as beautiful as they are delicious. For a quick lunch, grab sushi, tacos, or tapas from one of the international cuisines that reflect Rotterdam’s cultural mix. The hall was designed to feel like a world market under one roof, and it succeeds beautifully.
Art and Architecture in Harmony
One of the most fascinating features of the Markthal is the blend of art, architecture, and everyday life. Designed by MVRDV, the horseshoe-shaped building houses over 200 apartments built directly into the arch. Residents literally live above the market, with balconies that overlook the bustling scene below. The interior walls of these apartments form the massive screen that holds the Horn of Plenty mural by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. The vibrant artwork, printed on perforated aluminum panels, uses digital 3D techniques and was produced with help from professionals who have worked at Pixar Studios. It’s a true masterpiece of modern Dutch artwork and has even been compared to a contemporary fresco.
The structure itself, with its glass walls and steel frame, is an architectural triumph. It earned several international honors, including the Mies van der Rohe Award nomination and the ICSC VIVA Best of the Best Award, for its innovative design and contribution to urban life. When the sunlight streams through the glass façade, the interior glows with color and life, turning every visit into a new experience.
Where to Relax and Savor the Moment
After exploring the stalls, find a cozy corner to sit down and enjoy a meal or a drink. Many visitors love the small bars hidden between the food vendors, where you can sample local wines or enjoy happy hour with a view of the colorful ceiling above. Some restaurants stay open into the evening, giving you a chance to watch the lights reflect off the glass walls as the crowd slowly thins and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed.
If you want to experience even more local life, visit during the Blaak outdoor market that takes place right outside the Markthal several days a week. It’s one of the oldest markets in the Netherlands and offers everything from flowers to vintage records. Combined with the indoor market, it gives you a perfect mix of Rotterdam’s modern and historic sides.
Stay Central and Explore More of Holland
If you are planning a trip around the Netherlands, consider staying at Bungalow Park ’t Eekhoornnest in Soest. It is located in the heart of the country, making it easy to reach Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. The park offers comfortable vacation bungalows surrounded by forest, giving you a peaceful place to relax after a day of sightseeing. From here, you can easily explore landmarks like the Markthal, Euromast, or the charming canals of Utrecht while returning to a cozy family-run base each evening.
