This spring, for the first of edition of Kunsthal Light, American artist Ben Merris will be making a specially designed ‘Cave Painting' on the white wall of Kunsthal Rotterdam's display window. From 14 April, people at street level will be able to watch Merris through the display window as he applies vibrant colours and pulsing patterns to the enormous mural.

Kunsthal Light

The Kunsthal Rotterdam is developing a new programme entitled Kunsthal Light. This programme will focus on creating opportunities for talented emerging and mid-career artists with international and/or double-national backgrounds. Kunsthal Light will be putting the spotlight in particular on ‘modern muralists', and urban, graffiti and comic artists.

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Three times a year for a period of eight weeks, the Kunsthal will be making the display window along the museum's front slope available to an artist who is free to adorn the area as he or she wishes. The glass wall of the display window will allow the general public to view the artists' work from outside the museum, with no admission fee to form a potential obstacle. The Kunsthal will also present a limited edition publication that the artist can compile and publish himself/herself with the help of a professional publisher. The publication will be sold in the Kunsthal Bookshop. The exhibition and publications will enable participating artists to present themselves to the public.

Ben Merris

Ben Merris (1978) was born in Boise, Idaho and lives in New York. Merris' geometric abstract paintings and installations are dynamic and colourful, and emanate a vibrancy that draws the viewer into the painting. The graphic panels of colour radiating speed and energy intermingle with mathematically derived yet playful patterns and establish a relationship with the architecture of the building forming a harmonious whole.

About your visit

Booking an online ticket in advance is mandatory for everyone, including visitors with a Museumkaart, Rotterdampas, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • The Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.

  • Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.

  • Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.

  • In de Kunsthal Rotterdam zijn altijd meerdere wisselende en contrastrijke tentoonstellingen tegelijk te zien. Een volledig overzicht van alle actuele tentoonstellingen vind je op de tentoonstellingspagina.

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