Plenty of attention is now paid to the architecture of the period from 1965 to the early 1990s. The cultural and historical value, supposed ‘ugliness’ and rapid turnaround have made ‘post 65’ buildings topical subjects of discussion. The exhibition takes you on a walk through the city over the years. The competition culture surrounding the design of the current and future Central Library, with the original design by Van den Broek and Bakema and the new model and plans by Powerhouse Company. With photography by Kim Zwarts, a model by architect Wim Quist, documentaries and new design studies by Obscura, Atelier van Berlo and Lesia Topolnyk, the Maritime Museum is examined in relation to questions of authorship. A much-debated space – then and now – is Schouwburgplein. The exhibition includes West 8’s model of its revolutionary stage for the city. Following all the designs and proposals made for the square, three young designers – Arianne Fleege, Margot van Bekkum and Mike van Rheenen – offer their vision on this city square.

During the exhibition, a varied event programme explores Rotterdam as a city of culture and the significance of Post 65 architecture: from excursions and discussions to films and workshops. OMI welcomed architect Claudia Kromrei (Bremen University of Applied Sciences) for a lecture and workshop, together with Bureau Monumenten & Cultuurhistorie, OMI put together a programme for the Platform Post 65 (National Cultural Heritage Agency), architect Albert Richters gave a guided tour and lecture on the new Library, and there were numerous walks and talks on Post 65 architecture and urbanism.