Rotterdam Quarantaine

Rotterdam Quarantaine is a complex of ten buildings spread across six hectares in Heijplaat, Rotterdam, with structures designed for medical and sanitation purposes. The ensemble stands on wooden piles with concrete elements and houses a bathhouse, isolation ward, and disinfection facility.

The complex was built between 1930 and 1933 and initially served to house ship crews and immigrants with contagious diseases. In 1938, it received Jewish refugees fleeing Germany.

Since 1979, artists from different fields have used the buildings as workspace for visual arts, design, music, film, and theater. The rooms provide space for creative work and performances.

The site is built on elevated wooden piles with concrete support, separating areas for clean and contaminated zones. This special construction allows for good drainage and ventilation across the entire complex.

The disinfection building contains specialized vacuum-formaldehyde ovens and steam systems with high ceilings designed to remove sanitization fumes. This technical solution was an innovative pest control and disinfection method for its time.

Location: Rotterdam

Inception: 1933

Official opening: 1934

GPS coordinates: 51.89697,4.40977

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:04