Do is wearing Payton pants, Perry top and Paislee jacket.

ART IN THE CITY: ROTTERDAM

We celebrate art from around the world by asking our MUNTHE muses what art means to them and how it shapes the cities they call home. With Art in the City, we aim to inspire, connect, and celebrate the vibrant creativity and culture that make each place unique.

I n this month’s edition, our Dutch muse Do Nossent, takes us through her favourite art galleries and museums in her city, Rotterdam.

You can watch the full video here

Huis Sonneveld

This place absolutely blew my mind. Huis Sonneveld was built in the 1930s, which is honestly wild because it still feels so modern and stylish. It’s amazing how something from nearly a century ago can still feel totally now. The colours are spot on, the furniture design is stunning, and I could easily imagine moving in tomorrow. It’s clean and functional, but also full of personality. I love that it’s not just a beautiful house, it tells a story about how forward-thinking people already were back then. Rotterdam really nails that mix of past and future, and Huis Sonneveld is a perfect example of that.

Do is wearing Prickly jacket and Arum silk pants.

Do is wearing Prickly jacket and Arum silk pants.

Art through the city

One thing I love about Rotterdam is how art is just part of the city. You don’t need to go looking for it, it finds you. On a simple walk you’ll pass bold sculptures, playful installations, and thought-provoking pieces that just live right there in public space.

Santa Claus by Paul McCarthy

This one is, let’s say, hard to miss. It’s funny, bold, and a little provocative, which is exactly what makes it perfect for Rotterdam. You might laugh, you might roll your eyes, but you’ll definitely remember it.

Het Depot

Honestly, even if you don’t go inside, just standing in front of this building is an experience. It’s completely mirrored and reflects the sky, the trees, the city, everything. Inside, it’s an open storage space for Boijmans Van Beuningen’s collection, which sounds super niche, but it’s surprisingly cool to see the behind-the-scenes of a museum.

Do is wearing Payton pants, Perry top and Paislee jacket.

Blend

First time visiting Blend, and I was instantly sold. They’ve got a super cute little garden in the back, my hay fever didn’t love it, but I did. The food? So good. Fresh, tasty, and just a nice place to catch your breath in the middle of the city. It has that friendly, low-key vibe that makes you want to hang out a little longer than planned.

Do is wearing Payton pants, Perry top and Paislee jacket.

Fenix

Fenix is brand new and already feels iconic. It’s not just a gallery, it’s a whole experience. The exhibitions focus on migration, which, especially in a city like Rotterdam, feels like such an important and powerful theme. With the second-largest port in Europe (fact checked), this city has always been a gateway for movement, trade, people, stories. You can really feel that here. One of the best parts? The view. You get the best view over Rotterdam from the rooftop. And if you want to really see the city in all its glory, take the water taxi to get there. It’s honestly the most fun and beautiful way to explore. Rotterdam from the water hits different.

Favourite piece: The Big Blue Slippers by Hana El-Sagini

This piece totally stole my heart. It’s funny, oversized, and surprisingly emotional. These giant slippers are soft and cozy-looking, but the scale gives them this unexpected power. Hana El-Sagini, an Egyptian-Dutch female artist, creates work that balances humour, identity, and care. This piece feels like a tribute to the everyday and the feminine, and I just love that it can make you smile and think. Rotterdam means a lot to me, born and raised. It’s a city with layers, edge, humour, and heart. There’s so much story here. It’s a place that’s always looking forward, but never forgets where it came from.

Sylvette by Picasso & Carl Nesjar (1970)

I always stop when I see this one. It’s powerful, but quiet. Nesjar translated Picasso’s lines into concrete, and even though it’s huge, it still feels kind of delicate. It’s one of those pieces that stays with you, not loud, but unforgettable.

Qwertz by Franz West

Funky and weird in the best way. It doesn’t try to be pretty, it just is what it is, and I love that.

Do is wearing Pum dress and Obey pants.

Do is wearing Pum dress and Obey pants.