The '40-'45 NOW exhibition at Museum Rotterdam (museumrotterdam.nl; adult/child €12.50/free; closed Mon) provides deep insights into the most pivotal day of WWII for the city: the Rotterdam bombing on 14 May 1940, when the entire historic center was destroyed. Understand what led up to the moment when 54 German aircraft dropped more than 1000 bombs in a mere 13 minutes. A thought-provoking and depressing display in the foyer reminds visitors that many other cities have undergone experiences such as Rotterdam's in recent times.
Museum Rotterdam '40-'45 NU at Coolhaven will close its doors on 16 November 2026, as the museum moves to a new location in the center of Rotterdam (Het Steiger, Hang 17) – a former monastery and church complex that will be transformed over the coming years into Museum Rotterdam's new city museum. The first exhibition, "Opnieuw beginnen" (Starting over), will open on 18 December 2026.
