Villa Dijkzigt, Neoclassical villa and museum building at Westzeedijk, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Villa Dijkzigt is a neoclassical residence on Westzeedijk featuring a distinctive octagonal tower decorated with a crown cornice, panels, and rosettes. The rectangular building preserves its original staircase and now includes a contemporary glass pavilion extension designed by Erick van Egeraat.
Architect Johan Metzelaar designed this residential structure in 1852 for the Van Hoboken family, wealthy landowners with extensive property in the area. The building later transformed into a museum with major renovations to protect its architectural heritage.
The Natural History Museum has occupied the villa since 1988, shaping how locals and visitors engage with the building today. The space draws people curious about the natural world and Rotterdam's past.
The building stands at Westzeedijk 345 and holds protected monument status, reflecting care taken with its preservation. Visitors will find the site approachable, with the blend of historic structure and modern glass extension offering interesting contrasts as you move through the spaces.
The name of this residence later became attached to an entire neighborhood and the adjacent Dijkzigt Hospital, which opened in 1960. This single villa thus lent its identity to a broader area that remains recognizable and significant in Rotterdam today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
