Rotterdam is a city of striking modern design buildings that are quite impressive.  The most unique might be the Cube Houses in their playful yellow color near the new Market Hall.  While a photographer’s dream of angles, light and color, you can actually go inside one Cube House and experience it up close in the Show Cube Museum Rotterdam.  The cost is 3 Euro (cash).  If you thought you lived uniquely, you’ve got nothing on the cube house Rotterdam.

The Cube Houses were designed by Piet Blom and built between 1982-1984.  At first, I thought it was missing some colors from my childhood Rubik’s cube, it actually feels a bit dated to me because it does stick out compared to the newer architectural gems in the city. Until I saw the photos from above, I didn’t realize how they are meant to be trees in a forest (Blaakes Bos development) in the dense city (now the pillars make sense).  With ample total space of nearly 1,100 sq. ft., much of it is not usable due to the angled ceilings/walls, residents and owners need to be creative with their use of space. For those in teeny tiny NYC, London and Paris flats, the cube houses of Rotterdam are palatial for you.

People live in the cube houses and only one owner has decided to make his house a tourist attraction, Show Cube Museum.  Another rents their cube out on booking.com and the larger cube is now a popular hostel.

Show Cube Museum Rotterdam

As I walked up about 10 stairs to the courtyard to be surrounded by the Cube Houses, it was just a bit further back on the left that the show cube museum entrance was located.  You will need to walk up about 10-15 concrete steps to the front door and then go inside up another (narrow) staircase to the entrance desk.  At this point, I was already hot and my big size 11 (EU 42) feet were not happy with the tiny staircase.

Unfortunately with all the stairs this is not a good idea for those who have difficulty walking, are small space phobic or hate the winding stairs.  I saw a women with a cane who made it up the outside stairs and took one look at the entrance stairs and had to leave.  I explained to her the challenges and she made her own call.

Show Cube House Rotterdam – Living Area/Main Floor

With the entrance desk and souvenir area on one side of the floor, the main floor had a built in sofas (low to the ground) with a mounted television.  The angled walls are not for those tall folks (like me).  On the opposite side of the “lounge area” was a small kitchen (one step down).  The kitchen was nicely designed albeit a while ago and functional. To be honest, the European kitchen had more functionality built into the small space than I have at home in the U.S. Outside of the kitchen next to the sofas was a desk area for your home office needs.

Show Cube House Rotterdam – Bedroom/Bathroom

Going up the small winding staircase, I arrived at the Bedroom and Bathroom.  The bathroom was behind glass so you could not go in but the size seemed somewhat normal.  The bedroom was actually a good size except for the slanted walls again and low bed (as someone who hits her head every single time in angled rooms, this is not my dream room).  Since this is a “show” cube, the owner doesn’t live here so the furniture you and I would think to include isn’t here.  It’s basic stuff to give you an idea of the space.

The floor plan felt like the letter D – the bedroom at the top, the bathroom on the left side and an office area with bookcase on the side and bottom (other cubes make this area a second bedroom)

Show Cube House Rotterdam – The Loft Sunroom

There was a ladder like set of small stairs to get to the top of the show cube.  Given it was a hot day, it was really hot inside and heat rises so in the loft with windows closed it was sweltering.  I joined a few others up there and looked outside and took a few photos.  It’s a sunroom that was definitely getting the sun.  This could be a lovely area for morning yoga, meditation or to enjoy the night sky.  I’m sure when the windows are open it has a nice breeze to cool it down and make it a nice place to escape to.

Stay in a Cube House Rotterdam

After your visit to the Show Cube, you may want to experience it for yourself and now you can!  There are two options for staying in a cube house in Rotterdam.

• Book your Cube House Rotterdam stay via booking.com for the 2 bedroom (4 people) furnished Cube House with kitchen so you have the whole place to yourself.  Ideal for those who take advantage of the market hall across the square and centrally located for the subway below.
• Another option is to book a hostel bed with Stay Okay Rotterdam.  Hostels are not hotels so be prepared to rent just a bed (or bunkbed) in shared facilities for much less than a hotel.  The hostel has its own vibe that many travelers enjoy.

Overall Impression – Show Cube House Rotterdam

The Show Cube House Rotterdam is definitely a unique tourist attraction in Rotterdam and as they are next to the impressive Market Hall, it’s easy to visit pre/post the market food hall visit.  The other Cube Houses of Rotterdam are occupied and given that the space is about 400 sq. m3 (1,100  sq. ft.) it can be a good option if you are keen to deal with the quirks (slanted walls, floor plan, stairs) and the estimated pricing €230,000+ as a buyer.  As a visitor, the €3 entrance fee is quite reasonable (I forgot to use my Rotterdam discount card for 25% off) so I say give it a go and visit as it is a unique architectural design attraction in a city brimming with architectural wonder.

So would you want to live here knowing about the flow of tourists all day (and night) and the space challenges? Would you choose to stay overnight in a cube house or the hostel version?  Or would you be content to give it a visit like I did and decide that was enough to check the box?