The Maritime Museum forms the transition from city to port and, in 1985, became a key element of the new Inner City Plan. Maritime tourism was placed high on the agenda. The inner-city harbors were to be transformed into recreational spaces featuring historic ships and new walking routes. The new building, designed by architect Wim Quist, had a modern layout, in line with the museum trends of the time: “thematic, analytical, technically explanatory, contemporary, discussion-oriented, and educational.” Now, nearly 40 years after its completion, new plans are in the works for the Maritime Museum.

In the 1980s, Wim Quist plays a key role in shaping the new Rotterdam. In addition to the Maritime Museum (1985), he designs, among other buildings, the City Theatre (1988) and the Willemswerf office building (1989). His designs are thoroughly thought out from beginning to end. “Everything about a building has to be right. (…) You spend a lot of time working on that, puzzling things together.” Quist holds strong views about potential changes to his buildings. Even at a very advanced age, he files a lawsuit over what he calls the “mutilation” of one of his designs.

The Maritime Museum is part of the plans to make Waterstad more attractive as a place for relaxation by the water. In 1987, a full-page advertisement appears in Het Vrije Volk titled Waterstad, dat wordt wat (“Water City, now that’s something”): “Rotterdam is developing a plan that has no equal in Europe. … one of the most important meeting places for art, culture, recreation, and science is emerging here.” The Walk of Fame and the IMAX theater are established at the Leuvehaven, and in the summer of 1988, the tropical swimming paradise Tropicana opens along the river. However, the 30-meter-high Asklepion — a theme park about and in the shape of a human body — never comes to life.

For the manifestation Rotterdam Culture City (OMI), students from the Willem de Kooning Academy are designing a spectacular extension for the Maritime Museum in 2024. The design is inspired by an octopus, symbolizing the mysterious life of the maritime world. The large-scale installation is an interactive and playful addition to the museum experience. Visitors move through the tentacles of the Octopus—from the museum roof to another floor, the café, or the Leuvehaven. The ‘dome’ is semi-transparent, offering a panoramic view.

Design by: Eda Ateş, Tessa Balledux, Amily Yang, Laura Di Noto Marrella