The construction of Portlantis in the Port of Rotterdam is progressing rapidly. In April, the red exterior staircases that lead to terraces and the rooftop were added to the structure. Composed of a stack of five rotating exhibition volumes, Portlantis will serve as an exhibition building and visitor center for the Port of Rotterdam, giving residents and visitors an engaging way to discover the operations, history, and development of Europe’s largest port.
© MVRDV
The building rises from its flat, open surroundings and offers striking views of the coastline, the port and the sea. Its design takes a practical, no-nonsense approach that reflects the port’s working character: functional, dramatic and crafted from industrial materials. Once finished, Portlantis will generate its own energy locally with 266 solar panels and a dedicated wind turbine. The visitor center is scheduled to open in early 2025.
Designed by Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, the building’s form responds directly to its internal and external programs. Each floor is a square volume with a large panoramic window that frames a specific view, so together they offer visitors a layered overview of the lively port landscape. The orientation of each level and the direction its principal window face are determined by use: the ground-floor café looks west toward the dunes and the North Sea, while the restaurant on the fourth floor captures both sea views and the port’s evening lights.
© MVRDV
The permanent exhibition, developed by Amsterdam-based design firm Kossmanndejong, occupies the three intermediate levels. Each level focuses on a different theme and uses the panorama windows to highlight specific parts of the port, reinforcing the exhibition content with real-world views. At the heart of the building sits a generous atrium that doubles as an exhibition space. A kinetic sculpture will hang in its center, with a detailed model of the Port of Rotterdam positioned beneath it. The experience is revealed through a deliberate entrance sequence: a rotating door conceals the exhibition until visitors step into the atrium, making the reveal both theatrical and instructive.
Visitors can also access the terraces and rooftop without a ticket by using the external staircases. Along the ascent, display windows offer glimpses into the exhibition spaces and invite passersby to explore further, creating a layered interaction between exterior movement and interior exhibits.
© MVRDV
Material choices emphasize simplicity, industrial character and sustainability. The structure is designed to be demountable so components can be reused, and façade panels are intended to be returned at the end of the building’s life under an agreement with their manufacturer. Even the foundation avoids traditional concrete piles and is designed to minimize long-term impact on the site.
Beyond material selection, Portlantis is intended to be energy-neutral. Its compact form, high-performance insulation and efficient mechanical systems reduce energy demand, while the on-site solar arrays and wind turbine supply renewable energy to meet the building’s needs.
© MVRDV
“We think of Portlantis as a machine to reveal the incredible world of the port,” said Winy Maas, founding partner at MVRDV. “It is low-cost, stripped back, and you can see aspects of the building’s structure from inside. Yet it performs its role decisively, much like the machinery of the port itself. Every element of the design is focused on engaging people and educating them about their surroundings. In doing so, it not only informs visitors about the Port of Rotterdam but immerses them in the spirit of the port.”