It’s probably the most famous Dutch brand, known all over the world. Heineken originated in Amsterdam in 1864. But not to many people know Heineken opened a second brewery in Rotterdam only ten years later.
It housed the first commercial laboratory for a brewery ever. Here the specific Heineken A-yeast was discovered and cultivated. This yeast is still the base for the beer, as it defines the flavour. The Heineken complex at the corner of Crooswijksesingel and Linker Rottekade has been an iconic presence ever since. For more than 100 years, the brewery was a major industrial employer. It was a source of great activity in the area. But in 1974 the brewery had to close its doors. Due to a lack of expansion possibilities. The immense complex with boiler rooms, barrel cellars, and silos is demolished. But the office building, by architect Willem Kromhout, remained.
On April 22 the office building opens its doors once again! The monumental Heineken Gebouw Rotterdam will be open to the public from April 25. Stadsherstel Rotterdam, owner of the complex. has been working for more than seven years to increase public access and to tell the special story of Heineken and Rotterdam. After careful restoration and refurbishment, this is now a reality.
Visitors can enjoy a homemade lunch, coffee, and, of course, beer. An audio tour will lead visitors past a carefully curated collection, put together in cooperation with the Heineken Collection Foundation. On Friday and Saturday, it is possible to book an exclusive guided tour. The tour ends with a beer tasting in The Secret Bar. Tours can be booked here.
Business in Heineken Gebouw Rotterdam
The building also caters to business visitors. On the ground floor, beautifully restored boardrooms can be rented. They are perfect for meetings, product presentations, workshops, and training courses. One of the rooms has its own walk-in bar. Heineken is of course a partner in this concept. Not only by making part of its historic collection available but also by opening an office in the building.
