This summer, visitors can discover the rich history of Rotterdam’s seaside culture at Museum Rotterdam. From 1 July to 31 August 2026, the museum’s Coolhaven location will host Rotterdam aan Zee, a free pop-up exhibition exploring how generations of Rotterdammers spent their days at the beach in Hoek van Holland. At the heart of the exhibition is a replica of a historic bathing machine, one of the most recognisable symbols of Dutch beach culture in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Discover the history of Hoek van Holland For more than a century, Hoek van Holland has been Rotterdam’s favourite seaside destination. Thanks to convenient rail and steamship connections, the coastal town became increasingly popular around 1915, attracting visitors looking to enjoy the sea, fresh air and sandy beaches. The exhibition focuses on the early years of beach tourism, particularly the period before the Second World War. Through historical photographs, objects and film footage, visitors can explore how beach culture evolved and why Hoek van Holland became such an important place for generations of Rotterdam residents. A rare glimpse of a historic bathing machine One of the highlights of Rotterdam aan Zee is the replica of a historic bathing machine displayed outside the museum. These horse-drawn cabins once allowed visitors to enter the sea privately, reflecting the customs and etiquette of the time. Of the 95 bathing machines that once stood along the beaches of Hoek van Holland, only one original example survives today. This unique piece of heritage belongs to Museum Rotterdam and is currently undergoing restoration. The replica offers visitors an opportunity to experience this fascinating part of Dutch coastal history while the original is being preserved. Family-friendly summer activities Alongside the exhibition, Museum Rotterdam is organising a special summer programme for children. Young visitors can participate in a variety of activities inspired by the city’s maritime and beach heritage. The programme includes Cooljut expeditions on the Coolhaven, creative workshops and interactive activities that introduce children to the history of Rotterdam’s coastline and seaside traditions. The activities are part of the popular Vakantiepaspoort programme and are free to attend. Special lecture on Dutch beach culture hVisitors interested in learning more about the history behind the exhibition can attend a special lecture on 18 July 2026. During the event, a Museum Rotterdam expert will explore the story of the bathing machine and the development of Dutch beach culture, highlighting the important role Hoek van Holland played in Rotterdam’s leisure history. Share your memories of Hoek van Holland As part of the project, Museum Rotterdam is inviting residents to contribute their own stories, photographs and objects related to Hoek van Holland and its beaches. These personal memories will help shape a future exhibition featuring the original bathing machine in the museum’s new location at Steiger. By collecting stories from local communities, the museum aims to preserve an important chapter of Rotterdam’s social and cultural history.
