A striking new landmark has emerged on Rotterdam’s Tweede Maasvlakte: Portlantis. This state-of-the-art visitor centre brings the Port of Rotterdam to life, revealing its inner workings and hidden stories. As one of Europe’s most vital logistical hubs, the port is a vast, dynamic world—constantly evolving to improve efficiency and sustainability. At Portlantis, visitors explore how the port operates, its impact on the economy and environment, and the challenges it faces to remain future-proof.

A BUILDING FULL OF STORIES
Portlantis is a gesamtkunstwerk, where architecture, exhibitions, and interior design blend seamlessly. What makes this project unique is that the storytelling concept and visitor experience were developed first. This vision then shaped the architectural design by MVRDV. The result is an integrated and dynamic design where content and form strengthen each other at every level.

The iconic structure consists of five identical volumes, stacked and rotated as if casually placed like shipping containers. Expansive panoramic windows on each floor offer breathtaking views of the surroundings, making the real port an intrinsic part of the visitor experience.

At the heart of the building is the 22-metre-high atrium, where a kinetic installation and an interactive port model bring the port’s energy to life. The experience is visible from every level.

A red external staircase winds up along the building, leading visitors to the freely accessible panoramic deck, offering breathtaking views over the North Sea, the coastline, and the port.

A DYNAMIC MEETING PLACE
Portlantis is a place for both learning and connection. Schoolchildren, students, policymakers, and port professionals all come together here, fostering natural exchange and collaboration. The exhibition spans three floors, each with its own theme: TODAY – the port as it is now, IMPACT – the significance of the port, and TOMORROW – the port’s future. There is no fixed route. Visitors can explore in their own order, navigating interactive installations and layered information tailored to different levels of knowledge and expertise.

ALL HANDS ON DECK
Portlantis is the result of close collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam (client), MVRDV (architecture), and Piet Harm Sterk (art direction, Bind). From the outset, these partners worked closely together to ensure perfect synergy between content and design. Content developers, spatial designers, graphic designers, light and sound specialists, interaction designers, filmmakers, and builders joined forces to create a cohesive and immersive experience. This integrated design approach has resulted in a unique, all-encompassing experience where information, wonder, and connection seamlessly come together.