Ten Days of Design across Various Venues in Rotterdam



Design Biennale Rotterdam is a ten-day citywide showcase exploring what design means today. From 20 February to 2 March 2025, Rotterdam will transform into a destination for forward-thinking design and fresh perspectives. Featuring exhibitions, experiences, and conferences across cultural institutions and unexpected venues, the Biennale will present local talent and global design figures, positioning design as a transformative force for change.

Building on Rotterdam’s legacy of reinvention, a city built on resilience, and a future-focused community, the Biennale rethinks design’s role in shaping the world. Through innovative exhibitions and immersive experiences, it challenges conventional ideas and explores unexpected contexts. As a platform envisioning new possibilities, the event highlights Rotterdam as a city where design shapes the future.

The programme will begin with two special Early Extended Programme, providing an enhanced professional experience featuring conferences, private parties, and exclusive tours. Following these, the Biennale Pass will be available for both professionals and the interested public, offering unlimited access to all venues and a special side programme throughout the event.

The Early Extended Programme is kindly supported by Yume Yume.




HOSTS comittee

The Design Biennale is guided by a select committee of hosts, and board of advisors. Our 5 hosts of 2025’s inaugural edition are established, Rotterdam-based designers who will bring the Design Biennale to life by serving as inspiring ambassadorial hosts. Representing a diverse mix of countries, practices, and generations, they embody the dynamic and innovative spirit of Rotterdam. Through their involvement, the hosts highlight the city’s vibrant creative landscape while fostering meaningful international connections.

aNNa aagaard jensen
LaURIDS GaLLÉe
CHRIS KaBEL
sabine marcelis
MaRGa WEIMaNS



advisory comittee

Our board of advisors is made up of both Rotterdam-based and international professionals from the design field, who bring together unique and specialised knowledge to steer the Design Biennale within urgent global contexts and conversations.
OSMaN CaN YEREBaKaN, art and design writer (new york) 
aRIC CHEN, DIRECTOR NIEUWE INSTITUUT (ROTTERDaM) 
KIM MUMPANGILAI, interior architect, professor Parsons school of design (new york)
annemartine van kesteren, DESIGN CURaTOR Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, (ROTTERDaM)
CHaRLOTTE MaRTENS, Senior curator kunsthal (rotterdam)