On 5 May 2018, Hotel New York celebrates its 25th jubilee. And Museum Rotterdam marks the occasion with a fantastic tribute to this characterful hotel. The exhibition: Hotel New York, story of pioneers, opens on 4 May, and tells the incredible history of an urban icon.

25 years of Hotel New York means a treasure trove of stories, photos, films and quirky objects. Together, they tell the story of the famous hotel, which occupies a unique spot on the banks of Rotterdam’s River Maas.

Because, aside from being a hotel and restaurant, it’s a place for many people to come home to, to enjoy the breath-taking view, and a place to celebrate life’s milestones, large and small.

25 years ago, the Wilhelminapier was a place people preferred to avoid. But thanks to the successful transformation of the former HQ of the Holland-America Line (HAL) to Hotel New York, the pier has evolved into one of Rotterdam’s most distinctive locations. With a focus on the future, and a belief in its meaning for the city, many worked hard on the icon that Hotel New York is today.

The exhibition takes visitors back in time, through nine uniquely designed rooms: from the story of the first pioneers; the emigrants, the HAL, the cruise liners, the Kop van Zuid to the hotel pioneers.

Hotel New York, story of pioneers is open to the public from 4 May to 1 November 2018.