News

7 x Discover the City of Tomorrow

Published on: 24 Jun 2026

The best way to discover Rotterdam is to get out and explore. These tours take you behind the scenes of places that are usually closed to the public, introduce you to the people behind innovative projects, and show you how the city of tomorrow is already taking shape today. From circular construction and green networks to urban development, each route offers a fresh perspective on Rotterdam.

‘De Start’ x Timbertrix

At De Start, a circular hub located on the Keilezijweg, waste wood is given a second life. During this guided tour, you will discover how residual materials are transformed into valuable resources and get a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of a modular meeting space by Timbertrix. An inspiring tour for anyone interested in the future of circular building.

26 & 27 June | 14:00 | De Start | Free with registration

Erasmus University and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

How are educational institutions preparing for the challenges of tomorrow? During this tour, you will visit projects by Erasmus University and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and gain insight into how education, research, and urban development come together. A glimpse into the future of learning, working, and innovation in the city.

Fr 26 June | 13:00 & 14:45 | Erasmus Universiteit | Free with registration

Green Connections as the Foundation of the City of Tomorrow

Green spaces are more than just parks and public gardens. During this tour, you will discover how green connections contribute to a healthy, climate-resilient, and attractive city. Along the way, you will learn how nature, water, and public space are increasingly being integrated into innovative designs for the future of Rotterdam.

Fr 26 June | Trompenburg Tuinen | Free with registration

 

Photographer: Klik klak fotografie

Exploring M4H with UrbanGuides

The Merwe-Vierhavens (M4H) district is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Together with a guide from UrbanGuides, you will explore an area where industrial heritage, makers, innovative businesses, and new living and working environments come together. Along the way, you will hear the stories behind one of Rotterdam’s most dynamic urban development projects.

Sa 27 June| 13:00 | Test Site Materialenwerf | Tickets

Guided Tour over the Test Site Materialenwerf (EN)

Would you like to learn more about the 100% circular pavilion and how a Materials Yard contributes to a sustainable and future-proof city? Studio ACTE, the designers of the Test Site Materialenwerf, will tell you all about it. This guided tour is designed for adults, but children are welcome to join as well. This programme is part of Community Day.

Su 28 June | 14:45 & 15:15 | Test Site Materialenwerf | Free

Photographer: Aad Hoogendoorn

Photographer: Fred Ernst

Guided Tour of the Exhibition: The Power of Community

From housing cooperatives to neighbourhood initiatives, this exhibition demonstrates how cooperative and collective models can contribute to a sustainable and future-proof city. The KeileCollectief will guide you through inspiring stories, projects, and ideas. The exhibition shows that collaboration is not a side issue, but a necessity. The tour is aimed at adults, but children are welcome to join. This programme is part of Community Day.

Su 28 June| 16:00 | Keilepand | Free

Bioblitz and Design Workshop in the Food Garden

During a Bioblitz, you will join experts in identifying species that are already present in the area and immediately record your observations via Waarneming.nl. Together, you will explore questions such as: What does Rotterdam look like when viewed not only through human eyes, but also through those of birds, bats, lichens, and other urban inhabitants? This edition focuses on birdlife in the Keile District. Afterwards, you can take part in a design workshop.

Th 30 June  | Voedseltuin | Free (or on donation)