Step into the fascinating world of science fiction and discover the ongoing human quest for the unknown – on our own planet and in a remote part of the universe. More than 850 unique objects show the incredible imagination and inventiveness of the human mind. Travel through time and space with film clips and video installations, rare manuscripts and drawings, books and comics, art and design, and admire the many costumes, masks, models and props from film classics like Star Wars, Star Trek and Godzilla.

The exhibition provides a detailed and large scale overview of more than a hundred years of science fiction, as well as affording a glimpse into the future of this tremendously popular genre. ‘Science Fiction: A Journey into the Unknown’ presents the unknown on our own planet in Extraordinary Voyages, the infinite universe in Space Odysseys, the origin of utopian or dystopian worlds in Brave New Worlds, and the world of technology in Final Frontiers.

Visual spectacle

Darth Vader’s warrior helmet, Spock’s space suit, an original manuscript from 1865 from Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days and the dinosaur egg from Jurassic Park are just a few of the many highlights. You can also immerse yourself in a multi-screen installation with an episode from the Netflix hit series Black Mirror specially adapted for the exhibition. Don’t miss this visual spectacle – for the genuine fans and for everyone who likes to marvel at a universe in which fantasy and reality merge!

Exhibition partner

The exhibition is curated and organised by Barbican International Enterprises and coproduced by Brandts - Museum of Art & Visual Culture, Denmark and Onassis Cultural Centre, Greece, in collaboration with Kunsthal Rotterdam. 

Image of the Exhibition ‘Science Fiction: A Journey into the Unknown’, photo ©Marco De Swart
Campaign image ‘Science Fiction: A Journey into the Unknown’ Design by Praline, photo credit Dan Tobin Smith
Into the Unknown - London (Credit Tristan Fewings, Getty)
Postcard 'On the first Lunar cosmodrome', Andrey Sokolov and Aleksey Leonov. 1968, Moscow Design Museum
Film still 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture' ©Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved

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Exhibition partners

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.

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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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