Groothandelsgebouw

The Groothandelsgebouw spans 220 meters in length, 85 meters in width, and rises 43 meters high, containing three interior courtyards and eleven floors.

Built in 1953 under architects Hugh Maaskant and Willem van Tijen, this structure marked the first major construction project after Rotterdam's wartime destruction.

The building demonstrates reconstruction-period architecture through its concrete facade, systematic column grid layout, and incorporation of multiple communal gathering spaces.

Five marked entrances labeled A through E provide access to 450 companies, conference rooms, restaurants, shops, and commercial spaces within the building.

The rooftop previously housed Cinema Kriterion, which operated from 1961 with a retractable screen that revealed views across Rotterdam when not in use.

Location: Rotterdam

Inception: 1953

Architects: Hugh Maaskant, Willem van Tijen, Willem Van Tijen en Hugh Maaskant

Architectural style: reconstruction-period architecture

Made from material: schokbeton

Part of: Top 100 of Dutch monuments 1940-1958

Address: Stationsplein 45 te Rotterdam, e.a.

GPS coordinates: 51.92321,4.46738

Latest update: May 20, 2025 09:49