Rotterdam Photo, an inspiring photography event, took place in 2025 in the Museum Park in Rotterdam. In an era of hyperconnectivity and increasing social boundaries, the festival poses a relevant question: What does it mean to be truly connected? Through photography, space is offered to artists and the public to explore themes such as identity, technology, family, community spirit, and shared values.
Photographers from all over the world - from emerging talent to established names - showcase their work in shipping containers, where they build and exhibit their work themselves. The colors and textures of the stacked containers and the life-sized photo prints form an exciting visual spectacle.
Photographers from all over the world - from emerging talent to established names - showcase their work in shipping containers, where they build and exhibit their work themselves. The colors and textures of the stacked containers and the life-sized photo prints form an exciting visual spectacle.
2025
realised
Rotterdam Photo
×
Connected
For this edition, we designed the spatial configuration of the containers. Unlike previous years, we chose to build upwards and spatially connect the containers. This created a dynamic interior world that feels like a colorful village where visitors can wander from exhibition to exhibition, constantly surprised by new perspectives. The layered stacking created exciting sightlines and a unique interplay of light and shadow. In some places, the containers reached such heights that space was created for gigantic photo prints - a powerful gesture with which the festival manifests itself in the city and invites curious passersby to step inside.
Closed vs Open
The configuration of the containers plays a game with open and closed. During opening hours, the containers open up to visitors. The hinged doors of the containers then close off most passageways, thus demarcating the festival grounds. Rotterdam Photo is accessible exclusively via a central entrance.
At the end of the day, the container doors close again, and the art is safe and protected inside the containers. But now a gift is created for the city: as soon as the festival closes, the grounds open up to the city, and the exhibition transforms into a labyrinth and a place to linger.
Due to the positioning and stacking of the containers, fences are not necessary.
At the end of the day, the container doors close again, and the art is safe and protected inside the containers. But now a gift is created for the city: as soon as the festival closes, the grounds open up to the city, and the exhibition transforms into a labyrinth and a place to linger.
Due to the positioning and stacking of the containers, fences are not necessary.
