About Boijmans Van Beuningen
The main museum is closed until ~2030 for renovation, but the breakthrough Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen — a mirror-clad publicly accessible art store — is open.
Founded in 1849, Boijmans Van Beuningen has been welcoming visitors for over 177 years. Today it draws approximately 250,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the museum holds a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 3,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Boijmans Van Beuningen ranks #184
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #184 in our composite ranking, Boijmans Van Beuningen represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Architectural icon.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through Boijmans Van Beuningen is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (mirror building)
- ◆Rooftop garden
- ◆MVRDV architecture
Recognition & awards
Boijmans Van Beuningen has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Main building closed for renovation. Depot open daily.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Boijmans Van Beuningen is located in Rotterdam, Netherlands at coordinates 51.9148°N, 4.4732°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Boijmans Van Beuningen
Boijmans Van Beuningen was established in 1849, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Rotterdam. With 250,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Netherlands's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Europe region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Boijmans Van Beuningen, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Boijmans Van Beuningen?
Main building closed for renovation. Depot open daily. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Boijmans Van Beuningen?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Boijmans Van Beuningen located?
Boijmans Van Beuningen is located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The exact coordinates are 51.9148°, 4.4732°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Boijmans Van Beuningen known for?
The world's first publicly accessible art depot. Key highlights include Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (mirror building), Rooftop garden, MVRDV architecture. The museum holds a 4.5/5 rating from 3,500 reviews.
How many people visit Boijmans Van Beuningen each year?
Boijmans Van Beuningen receives approximately 250,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Netherlands.
When was Boijmans Van Beuningen founded?
Boijmans Van Beuningen was founded in 1849, making it 177 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
