The Rotterdam Rooftop Roetsj

When: 29 mAy through 9 june 2025 (closed on 2 & 3 june)

Where: On top of and around the MaritiMe Museum

A giant slide from the roof? You can experience it during the 10th edition of the Rotterdam Rooftop Days! This festive anniversary centers around the roof of the Maritime Museum. Wander through an exciting rooftop exhibition, enjoy breathtaking views of the Coolsingel and Leuvehaven, and finish with a spectacular descent: slide down via the slide or zipline across the water to the other side (of course, you can also take the stairs if you prefer). The Rotterdam Rooftop Rush brings a glimpse of the city of the future to life: an inspiring and playful world where water, green, and buildings merge in new ways.

Rotterdam Rooftop Roetsj – © Rotterdamse Dakendagen

What is the inspiration for this project?

The Maritime Museum building dates back to 1986 and is set to undergo renovation in the coming years. Naturally, the city has changed significantly since the museum was built, so the building and its surroundings need to evolve as well. The municipality is working with various stakeholders to explore what this transformation might look like. One of the ideas is to create a publicly accessible rooftop that offers stunning views of both the harbor and the Coolsingel. The Rotterdam Rooftop Days team was inspired to test out this rooftop concept with a wide audience while turning it into something truly exciting.
The museum occupies a unique location in the city. It’s the crossroads of all city districts—North, East, South, and West—and the site of the busiest metro station in the Netherlands. Additionally, the Rotte River, which gave Rotterdam its name, flows underground here into the Nieuwe Maas. This location symbolizes the deep connection between Rotterdammers and the water. The rooftop exhibition explores a possible future for cities, where the boundaries between gray (buildings), blue (water), and green (nature) increasingly blur.

What can you experience on the rooftop?

On the rooftop, you’ll find an exciting exhibition about a potential future for the city, where buildings, green and water increasingly come together. The exact details of the exhibition remain a surprise for now. Of course, you’ll also enjoy spectacular views of both the Coolsingel and the Leuvehaven—a true “Window on the River,” a long-standing dream of Rotterdam residents since the post-war reconstruction era.

When is Rotterdam Rooftop Roetsj open and how can I visit?

Rotterdam Rooftop Roetsj runs from Thursday, May 29 (a public holiday), to Monday, June 9 (also a public holiday). The Roetsj will be closed on Monday, June 2, and Tuesday, June 3.
On Saturdays and Sundays (May 31 + June 1 and June 7 + 8), the rooftop festivities kick into high gear, with not only the Roetsj but also access to rooftops all over the city.

Opening hours are yet to be announced. Tickets will be available on-site or through this website, starting in spring 2025.

How much does Rotterdam Rooftop Roetsj cost?

The prices for rooftop access have not yet been announced but will be similar to our previous projects, such as the Rotterdam Rooftop Walk (€3.50), with an additional fee for using the slide or zipline (these prices are also not yet available). The museum harbour surrounding the building is always free to visit, and will also be free to visit during the project.

Is the rooftop accessible by lift?

Visitors will primarily use the stairs to access the rooftop. However, we are exploring the possibility of lift access for those unable to use the stairs.

Where does the slide end?

This hasn’t been fully finalised yet, but the slide is expected to end on a pontoon in the Leuvehaven. From there, you’ll walk back to the shore without getting wet.

Mogen kinderen ook het dak op?

Children are welcome on the rooftop, but must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age requirements for the zipline and slide have not yet been decided.

The first partners of the project