The influence of the Roman Empire stretches up to the present. Western script, the weight system and the names of the months: all Roman inventions that still determine our daily lives. Kunsthal Rotterdam shows the wealth of emperial Rome and presents, with a collection of 450 objects, one of the largest exhibitions ever on classical culture.

Numerous marble sculptures, refined jewelry, authentic terracotta, cameo, glasswork and coins give a clear impression of religious perception, external care, housing, trade and politics at the time of the Roman Empire (27 B.C.-395A.D.). Attention is also focused on the Netherlands, through which the northern frontier of the Empire ran in those days.  

Servants and Emperors

Roman Culture is brought to life through splendid mirrors, hair combs and dangling earrings that at the same time give a vivid impression of the way Romans were involved with outward appearance. Busts, coins and cameo show the rulers of the city, from August and Nero up to Constantine. Altarpieces, urns and ritual objects show religious perception and the belief in different gods amongst whom Hermes, the herald and messenger, and Bacchus, god of wine. Roman private life becomes visible through architectural models of an urban domus and a rural villa. Public life is also highlighted with gladiator fights, popular games and Roman bathing culture in the well-known Thermae.

Young visitors may acquire the fiercely desired Roman citizenship through exploring facets of Roman life and thus earning stamps in a passport especially designed for the occasion, dress up as a soldier, merchant or noble lady and explore Roman life.

A Roman lunch in the Kunsthal café 

During the exhibition Imperial Rome the Kunsthal café serves a special lunch: Caesar Salad with a glass of wine and for children a special gladiator meal.

Concept and organisation

Contemporanea Progetti, Florence Italy

Sponsor

Eneco

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.

All Frequently Asked Questions