The area around De Esch carries a storied past marked by striking contrasts. From the Oude Plantage, Rotterdam’s first city park, to the business parks, from live-work community Utopia to eco-district Leonidas. Over time, the green spaces were preserved, and still today the nature reserve, allotment gardens and city beach shape the character of the landscape.

With the much-debated proposal for a third city bridge, the area is under pressure. Before that future unfolds, take a walk through De Esch yourself.  From memories and histories to dreams of the future and visions of utopia, the routes and stories invite you to explore the rich cultural history of the different landscapes. Or take a look on the present and possible future, with special routes of artists Merel Smitt and landscape architect Anna Fink.