Photo Museum Rotterdam is housed in a former workshops building from 1953 at the south bank of the River Maas, of approximately 25,000 m² floor space. This area was once the home port of the Holland America Line, connecting international sea ports such as Rotterdam and New York with passenger services. Benthem Crouwel Architects transformed this building ‘Las Palmas’ into a multifunctional building for diverse cultural and commercial institutes.
The Dutch National Museum of Photography manages 175 archives of well-known and lesser-known Dutch photographers, comprising over 5,6 million negatives, slides, and prints. The museum collects and exhibits photography that reflects upon the world.
OCTAGONAL COLUMNS
Las Palmas consists of 4 floors, a basement level, and a two-story penthouse office. The floors are composed of seemingly infinite spaces, interrupted by octagonal columns. The building has a sturdy appearance, but the white facade and the rhythm of the windows give it a lively and open character. Benthem Crouwel’s design is based on the characteristic features of the building. The exterior facade has been given a new white appearance. Inside, transparent partition walls continue to provide a view of the original layout of the building.
RUSTIC
In this industrial and rustic interior the museum offers visitors a spacious entrance and bookshop, various exhibition halls and a knowledge center to delve into photography and its history through interactive installations. Offices and meeting rooms are located upstairs, with a panoramic view over the river.
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