Netherlands Architecture Institute

The Netherlands Architecture Institute is a museum and research center for architecture and urban design in Rotterdam, holding drawings, models, and photographs spanning centuries of Dutch building practice. The collection also includes a specialized library and rotating exhibitions that examine built environments and spatial design.

The idea of a national architecture museum emerged in 1912, but the facility opened its doors in Rotterdam only in 1993 after decades of preparation. Since then, it has systematically collected and cataloged evidence of Dutch building history, making it accessible for research and the public.

The institute features exhibitions exploring architectural developments, urban planning solutions, and design innovations through regular shows and educational programs.

The building offers complete wheelchair access to all areas, including exhibition spaces and the reading room. Visitors can research topics related to building culture and urban development in the library or join guided tours through ongoing exhibitions.

An app using augmented reality shows visitors vanished buildings and planned projects directly over the current cityscape. This digital layer makes changes in the urban landscape immediately experiential as you walk through Rotterdam.

Location: Rotterdam

Inception: 1988

Architects: Jo Coenen

Official opening: 1988

Elevation above the sea: 1.747 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: Museumpark 25, Museumpark, Rotterdam

Website: http://en.nai.nl

GPS coordinates: 51.91444,4.47083

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29