Food, Art and Architecture at Markthal Rotterdam

Traditional markets, as a concept, have a long been a place where not only people but cultures and ideas come together to create a diverse ecosystem. The creators of the Dutch architectural feat the Markthal Rotterdam had this in mind when they envisioned this unique marketplace. Opened in October 2014, this creation can be found beneath a horseshoe arc of offices and residential apartments.

© Jules Broekmans | Dreamstime

This marketplace is crowded with hundreds upon hundreds of hungry visitors — by year’s end, that number is estimated between 4.5 and 7 million in total. Seven days a week, visitors can shop at one of the 96 vendors selling an assortment of produce, fish, chicken, beef, spices, cappuccino and ice cream, as well as a number of sit-down restaurants. Entrepreneurs and local chefs flock to this area to showcase their talents and start their own businesses at one of the much-sought-after vendor locations.

© Jan Kranendonk | Dreamstime

For many, the main appeal of the Markthal Rotterdam is the monstrous mural that decorates the ceiling underbelly of the curved arc. Designed by artist Arno Coenen, this masterpiece is entitled Hoorn des Overvloeds, the Dutch phrase for cornucopia. Appropriately, the mural features immense depictions of vegetables, fruits and fish, painted on hundreds of tiled steel panels.