In Rotterdam’s Museumpark, the mirrored, bowl-shaped Art Depot Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen gives the public access to the museum’s collection and a glimpse of how art is stored and cared for. Inside, you can see works by artists including Rembrandt, Monet and Picasso, with storage and conservation spaces part of the experience. The building itself, designed by MVRDV, reflects the park and city skyline. Head to the rooftop garden for a different view of Rotterdam, or visit the top-floor restaurant and bar.
A depot open to the public
The Art Depot Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen sits in Museumpark, beside the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. It opened in 2021 as the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility. The depot holds the museum’s collection, which includes more than 150,000 artworks gathered over the institution’s history.
This is a different way to encounter a collection. The depot is not arranged as a conventional museum of curated exhibitions. Instead, visitors can move through the building independently or with a guide and see art in storage, along with glimpses of the work involved in conservation and restoration.
How the collection is stored
Art is kept in separate depot spaces with different climates. The collection spans historical and contemporary works, and includes paintings, sculptures and other objects. Some pieces are visible on pull-out racks; crystal easels are another part of the display. Take time to notice how the storage systems shape what you see, as well as the artworks themselves.
The collection includes work by artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, Munch and Cézanne. The experience is not a sequence of standard galleries, so the range and arrangement of objects can feel different from a museum visit. Guided visits are available for those who want to explore with a guide.
The mirrored building and rooftop
MVRDV designed the depot as a bowl-shaped building clad in mirrored glass. Its surface reflects the surrounding park and Rotterdam skyline, so the exterior is part of the visit even before you go inside.
At the top, a rooftop garden and terrace provide views across the city. The garden includes 75 trees. A restaurant and bar are also located on the top floor, giving you the option of making a meal or drink part of your stop.
FAQ
What is the Art Depot Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen?
It is the publicly accessible art storage facility for Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. Visitors can see collection works and get a glimpse of storage and conservation.
Are there exhibitions at the depot?
The depot is not organised around conventional exhibitions. You can explore the building and see artworks in storage, independently or with a guide.
What can you see at the depot?
The collection includes works by artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, Munch and Cézanne. You can also see storage systems and visit the rooftop garden and terrace.
Is there a restaurant at the depot?
Yes. The top floor has a restaurant and bar, with views over Rotterdam.
