How To See The Rotterdam Cube Houses (And Go Inside One)
One of Rotterdam's top tourist attractions is the yellow cube houses built across a busy road in the city centre. On my recent trip to the Netherlands, I spent two days in Rotterdam and visited the city's historic Old Harbour area, Oude Haven, to see these modern architectural wonders. If you aren't staying in the city, Rotterdam is a 60-minute train journey from Amsterdam.
In this travel guide, you will learn the history of the yellow cube houses and what it's like to go inside the Kijk-Kubus Museum House.
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The History of Rotterdam's Cube Houses
The yellow cube houses, known as "Kubuswoningen" in Dutch, are not just a distinctive architectural landmark in Rotterdam. They are a testament to the visionary design of the renowned Dutch architect Piet Blom in the late 1970s.
Blom's design was inspired by the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence. He had already built 21 experimental cube houses around Helmond near Eindhoven, but Rotterdam was to be the most famous of his creations.
The concept was to create a forest of houses within a city, with each cube representing a tree, and the entire complex resembling an abstract forest, known as Blaakse Bos— a Dutch nickname for the structures. The complex also functions as a bridge across one of Rotterdam's busiest streets.
Each cube would measure 72 feet in height, with each side measuring 25.5 feet.
The 38 elevated cube houses, completed in 1984, have quickly become one of Rotterdam's most iconic attractions and remain a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and tourists visiting the city.
The community created inside the complex is evident from the small shops, including a hairdresser, a beauty parlour, and a coffee shop. There's also a giant floor chess with geometrical pieces representing the angles of the cube houses.
The cubes are built beside Piet Blom's other architectural design, Blaaktower, a 13-story residential building referred to by locals as 'The Pencil'.
What makes the Cube Houses so unusual?
Their unconventional design features tilted cubes placed on top of steel pylons. The cubes' tilted position maximises the interior space while providing a unique and striking exterior appearance.
But don't be deceived by their unconventional appearance. Each cube house, spanning three floors, is a testament to a unique and practical urban living experience.
The first floor, accessible by stairs from the outside, serves as both a living space and a kitchen.
The second floor houses a bedroom, bathroom and study area.
The top floor is a three-sided glass pyramid that can be used as a small living area or a sun trap. With windows on each side, it can get hot in summer.
As for who lives in them, the cube houses are architectural wonders that serve as functional homes, offering a unique and one-of-a-kind lifestyle. The residents, many of whom are creatives, appreciate the innovative urban living that these cube homes allow them.
What is it like inside a Rotterdam Cube House?
Experiencing a cube house firsthand is not just a dream. One of the cubes, the "Kijk-Kubus" or "Show Cube," has been transformed into a museum. Visitors can go inside a cube house, explore its unique interior, and learn about its design and history. The entrance fee is €3.
The exact address is Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The Tardis-like interior of a cube house is quite a surprise. It is more spacious than its exterior suggests.
Furniture is fitted to the cube's irregular angles, and the cube is very light, with windows everywhere. Due to their slanted design, some windows also look into a neighbouring property - not something that would suit a resident looking for privacy!
Another feature that has been overlooked is how to clean so much glass. We were told the answer was to wait for a rainstorm; otherwise, just put up with dirty windows.
Piet Blom's Blaaktower towers above the cube houses. The 60m high hexagonal building is located by the famous Markthal indoor food market.
Some cube houses are available for short-term rentals for those who want more than a quick visit. These unique accommodations allow travellers to immerse themselves fully in the Rotterdam Cube House lifestyle.
The StayOkay Cube Hostel offers an affordable and unusual place to stay in Rotterdam for shorter visits.
Getting to the Cube Houses
The yellow cube houses are located in the centre of Rotterdam, in the city's Oude Haven (Old Harbour) area, near the Maritime Museum and the Art Deco-designed Witte Huis (White House), two more Rotterdam landmarks.
The cube houses are easily accessible by public transportation, with the Rotterdam Blaak train and metro station within walking distance. They are also near several tram and bus stops, making them convenient for tourists and locals.
If you travel from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, you will arrive at Rotterdam Centraal Train Station.
Joining a guided tour in Rotterdam
If you're interested in the city's architecture, you can book a Rotterdam Architecture Highlights Guided Walking Tour, which includes the cube houses.
Need help planning your next holiday?
Please check out my curated Travel Resources Guide for the exact booking platforms, transport tools, and eSIMs I use on my travels.
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
These are so interesting and totally looks like something I would enjoy. So unique.
This is so cool! I'd love to see it. Rotterdam has so many fun and unique things to see.
The Rotterdam cube houses are so interesting. I haven't heard about them until I read your post. I didn't realize how much glass there is to clean.
This is so cool! I was hoping to get a glimpse inside, and you didn't disappoint! These are so unique and have made it to my list of places to see
It really is one of those places that you can't believe is actually a normal house!
I wondered what the floors are like in these houses... so it's great you can visit inside a cube house. They are so iconic, and I heard Rotterdam is a lovely city to visit, too.
Rotterdam has got lots of interesting architecture to see and these are one of the most iconic. What did you think of the inside of the cube house? Could you live in one?