MVRDV, Dutch architecture firm
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is a round, egg-shaped building with a shiny mirrored glass exterior that holds nearly 150,000 artworks from a major collection. The structure sits compactly within a park, with the roof serving as a large garden planted with trees and grasses that visitors can reach quickly by elevator.
The depot opened after several years of construction, with the first section completed in 2020. The project was realized with support from the city of Rotterdam and a charitable foundation to both protect artworks and make them accessible to the public.
The building reflects Rotterdam's commitment to making art accessible and visible to everyone in the city. The mirrored glass panels on the exterior were funded by citizens who bought individual pieces, turning the structure into a collective project for the whole community.
The building is easily accessible within a central park and uses an elevator to bring visitors quickly to the rooftop garden. Interior climate control protects different types of artworks, and the public spaces with artist installations encourage visitors to explore and learn about art storage.
The building uses solar energy and geothermal heat for sustainability, while rainwater collected from the roof is reused for toilets and plant watering. This eco-conscious design shows how architecture can be beautiful, functional, and responsible to the environment all at once.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
