Visitor information Festival Heart
This year, Rotterdam Architecture Month’s Festival Heart is located in and on top of Het Nieuwe Instituut and is free to visit during the whole month of June. There is a variety of things to do at the Festival Heart. For example, you can climb the bright pink staircase designed by MVRDV for a spectacular view from The Podium. You can attend one of the many architecture events there and visit the RA Month’s main exhibition House/Home.
On this page you will find all the information you need for your visit to the Festival Heart, and at the bottom there is an overview of all the events taking place at the Festival Heart.
Visiting The Podium
Enjoy the vistas
If you are coming for the view from the pink Podium on top of Het Nieuwe Instituut, please reserve a free time slot. The Podium can be reached via the giant pink staircase or with a lift.
Tip: combine the climb to The Podium with a visit to the RA Month main exhibition House/Home, also at Het Nieuwe Instituut. Admission is free.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 21:00
Accessibility
The Podium is outdoors and has no roofing or cover. Please be prepared for possible weather conditions such as wind, a drop of rain or UV from the sun. The stairs to the Podium have 143 steps, we advise you to wear comfortable shoes. There is also an elevator available. If you are sensitive to bright colors, we recommend you bring sunglasses.
In case of bad weather, events will be moved downstairs to the Auditorium in Het Nieuwe Instituut.
Entering The Podium is at your own risk. Are you visiting with small children? Children under 12 must each have an adult companion, children from 13 and older may go up with 1 adult companion per 4 children.
Visiting the Festival Heart programme
In-depth architecture events
If you would like to attend an architecture programme event at the Festival Heart during RA Month, please reserve a free ticket for the event you would like to attend via the programme.
Visitors to an architecture programme event have automatic access to the pink Podium. So there is no need to reserve a time slot. Before climbing the stairs, check in at the RA Month info desk.
Tip: combine the programme visit with a visit to the RA Month main exhibition House/Home, also at Het Nieuwe Instituut. Admission is free.
View the Festival Heart programme here
Main Exhibition (T)Huis (House/Home)
The RA Month main exhibition House/Home can also be seen at the Festival Heart. You do not need to reserve a time slot or ticket for this. Check in at the RA Month info desk when you arrive. Admission is free.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 21:00
Getting to the Festival Heart
Walking & cycling
Het Nieuwe Instituut is located in the centre of Rotterdam, about 15 minutes by foot and 5 minutes by bike from Rotterdam Central Station.
Public transport
Using public transport, you can reach Het Nieuwe Instituut by metro (stop Eendrachtsplein), tram 7 (stop Eendrachtsplein or stop Museumpark), tram 4 (stop Eendrachtsplein), bus 44 (stop Wytemaweg) and bus 32 (stop Breitnerstraat).
By car
At Het Nieuwe Instituut there is limited space for paid parking. Opposite the building is Museumpark underground car park. You can park for a few hours at a very reasonable price using special parking tickets provided by the Municipality of Rotterdam. Order a ticket via Parkeren in Rotterdam.
Address
Het Nieuwe Instituut
Museumpark 25
3015 CB Rotterdam