Rotterdam women who made it
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General
A photography exhibition by Museum Rotterdam and Stadsarchief Rotterdam about forty women who have made (or have had) a remarkable impact on Rotterdam
Museum Rotterdam and Stadsarchief Rotterdam present the photography exhibition ‘Rotterdam Women Who Made It’ from June 30 to October 31, 2025. Along the escalators of the Maastunnel, portraits are displayed of forty Rotterdam women who have achieved remarkable accomplishments in the fields of culture, society, politics, and sports. The exhibition not only highlights their impact on the city, but also serves as a tribute to their perseverance. At the same time, it aims to inspire and raise awareness among a wide audience of the strength and significance of these women for Rotterdam, both past and present.
A selection of forty Rotterdam women
The exhibition presents forty historical and contemporary women. The biographies accompanying the portraits tell more about their motivations, ideals, and impressive achievements. What connects them is their determination to follow their own path, despite the obstacles and challenges they faced along the way. Some even paid the ultimate price.
At the same time, this is only a selection: Rotterdam is home to many more women who deserve a place in the Maastunnel. Their stories are still waiting to be told, and this exhibition is a starting point for continuing to recognize and celebrate their impact.
From the 16th century to today
The exhibition opens with the poignant story of Anneke Jans, who was executed in Rotterdam in 1539 because of her faith. At the other end of the spectrum is Lotte van Eijk, the youngest woman in the series, who as an influencer and author of De meidenmethode encourages her followers to let go of beauty standards and embrace themselves.
Between them, visitors encounter a rich variety of women from diverse backgrounds, both well-known and lesser-known. From Peggy Wijntuin, who is committed to raising awareness about the history of slavery, to Olympic champion Rie Mastenbroek. From feminist Maria Rutgers-Hoitsema to sculptor Loeki Metz and activist Grarda Pelger. Each of them has left her mark on Rotterdam, in her own way.
Collaboration Museum Rotterdam and Stadsarchief Rotterdam
Museum Rotterdam and Stadsarchief Rotterdam have joined forces to make this special photography exhibition possible. Both institutions hold a ton of images, objects, and stories that together paint a rich and multifaceted picture of powerful Rotterdam women throughout the centuries. In addition, a number of the women have contributed their own visual material.
Short biographies of all forty women can be found on www.museumrotterdam.nl. A booklet will also be published, bringing together portraits and stories in a colorful, contemporary design, a visual tribute to the connection between these women, across time and context.
2025 | The Rotterdam Year of the Woman
The exhibition takes place as part of 2025 | The Rotterdam Year of the Woman, an initiative by the Vrouwen van Rotterdam network. This festive themed year commemorates the fact that fifty years ago, the United Nations declared 1975 the International Year of Women. Since then, countless initiatives have emerged in Rotterdam to promote women’s emancipation.
The Rotterdam Year of the Woman offers a valuable moment to look at where we’re currently at: what has been achieved, and what challenges lie ahead for future generations of women?
More information: www.vrouwenvanrotterdam.nl
