The Park Rotterdam
The Park Pavilion is the new home of Foundation The Park (established in 2022). The foundation has the goal to maintain the park, which is the largest green national monument in Rotterdam. The pavilion, a former convalescent home, also offers an in-depth program at the intersection of art and nature with the park as a source of inspiration: from exhibitions and poetry to music and walks.
From 1852 onwards, the park was designed by landscape architects father and son Zocher as a romantic walking area. The pavilion was neglected for many years, but now serves as the host of the place. It is not an economic place or café, but rather a sanctuary for human health. A place to come to, without having to consume. An open place for people, culture, park, nature, health. You are welcome to come as often as you like, and if you come more often, feel free to occasionally pick up the broom.
The pavilion also houses the gardeners' workshop and public spaces. The interior design by Studio Makkink & Bey retains the historical elements from the original state of the building. Light, air, and spaciousness of the convalescent home and the direct connection with the park have been restored.
The renovation started in the third quarter of 2024, the pavilion opened mid-June 2025. The appearance of the pavilion is a three-dimensional translation of what the foundation represents. The colours and scents are like those of nature: fresh, woody, and warm. The interior is made of natural, sustainable, honest materials and was locally produced. The raw materials are of recognizable origin; the furniture, designed and curated by Studio Makkink & Bey, is made of trees from the park. The look is natural, robust, and refined. Design by Michou Nanon-de Bruijn.