Discover the modern architecture of the library, the Market Hall, the Pencil Tower and the famous Cube Houses.
The first thing that you will notice is the underground train and metro station Blaak. The station has got a very striking design and looks like a flying saucer. Just outside the station you will see the city’s main library which got a very valuable collection of the Erasmus‘ work. The design of this public library with the steel tubes running down along the glass front looks a little bit like the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Next to the library you will find Het Potlood (Pencil Tower) designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom, very well known for the design of the Cube Houses next to the tower. The Pencil Tower is a hexagon-shaped tower just like a pencil.
At the right of the Pencil Tower you will see the famous Cube Houses built in 1984 and designed by Piet Blom as well. Blom tilted the cube of a conventional house 45 degrees and put it upon a hexagon-shaped pylon. There are 38 cube houses and 2 super cubes that are all connected. Each of the Cube Houses have got 3 floors, all with angled walls and windows. The residents have to be very creative to fit their furniture into their houses. You are able to see one of the houses from inside by visiting the Kijkkubus (show cube). Imagine what’s life like in a house without straight walls!
The indoor Market Hall Rotterdam is a real tourist magnet due to its one-of-a-kind design and deli shops. Rotterdam Blaak is also the area where you can find the biggest outdoor market of Rotterdam. The market stretches from the Blaak station to the shopping street Meent. You’ll find more than 450 stalls selling fresh fruit, cheese, nuts, fish, clothing, fabrics, mobile phone accessories and much more. It’s a great place to look for bargains!
From the cube houses you will have a great view at the historic Old Harbour and the White House. You can take some beautiful pictures from here! It’s a short walk down to the Old Harbour and the white house, where you will step into a whole different world!
Own or work here?
English 
Nederlands