Rotterdam Markthal: Iconic Arch Architecture & Food Hall
FAQ
Why was the Markthal built in Rotterdam?
The construction was prompted by stricter hygiene regulations that restricted the open-air sale of fresh meat and fish, alongside a city initiative to repopulate and revitalize the post-war Laurenskwartier district.
What is the artwork on the ceiling of the Markthal?
The ceiling features an 11,000-square-meter artwork called the 'Horn of Plenty' by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. Covering over 4,000 aluminum panels, it displays giant 3D imagery of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and insects, earning the building the nickname the 'Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam.'
Are there real apartments inside the Markthal?
Yes, the 40-meter-high horseshoe arch contains 228 residential apartments. The inner-facing penthouse units even feature sound-insulated glass floor viewports that look directly down onto the active market floor.
What is displayed along the underground escalators at the Markthal?
The central underground escalators, known as 'De Tijdtrap,' display archaeological artifacts from a 10th-century farmstead belonging to Rotta, a medieval settlement pre-dating Rotterdam that was discovered seven meters below ground during the building's excavation.
