The Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) are Rotterdam's most iconic experimental housing, designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom and completed in 1984: 38 bright-yellow cubes plus two larger 'super-cubes,' each tilted 45 degrees and balanced on a hexagonal pylon. Blom worked from the idea of 'living as an urban roof,' picturing every house as a tree and the whole cluster as an abstract urban forest perched directly above Blaak station. In 2026 most cubes remain private homes with real residents, but one is open as the 'Kijk-Kubus' museum house, now celebrating its 42nd season of showing the interior to visitors. Come to walk through the slanted walls and triangular rooms and experience firsthand how anyone actually lives inside a tilted cube.
The 'urban forest' skyline of tilted yellow cubes resting on hexagonal concrete pylons
Inside the Kijk-Kubus: the three-level layout with a triangular living room, kitchen and 45-degree slanted outer walls
The steep, narrow staircase and the geometry of skylights seen from within the cube
The elevated pedestrian deck, and the neighboring Markthal market hall and pencil-shaped Central Library forming one striking view
Spin-off spaces such as the Stayokay hostel built into the super-cubes and the Kunstkubus art cube
Good to know
RulesOnly the 'Kijk-Kubus' cube is open to the public; the rest are private residences. Do not knock on or enter other cubes, and respect residents' privacy.
SafetyInterior stairs are very steep and narrow and the walls lean at 45 degrees, so mind your head and footing. It can be demanding for anyone with mobility issues or a fear of heights.
CautionBuy tickets on-site or via the official site (kubuswoning.nl), where adult entry is only about €3.50. Some third-party platforms resell 'Cube Houses tickets' at inflated prices, so confirm the current fare through official channels.
MannersThis is a lived-in residential complex. Keep noise down on the rooftop walkway and passages, and photograph residents' windows and living spaces discreetly rather than lingering.
SeasonIn the July-August peak the museum may stay open until 19:00 but gets very crowded, and Dutch weather is changeable with frequent rain — bring a waterproof jacket, and arrive early in the day for a calmer visit.
SafetyBlaak station and the Markthal area draw big crowds where pickpocketing can occur; wear your bag in front and keep an eye on your wallet and phone.
Practical info
Rotterdam Blaak station sits right beside the complex, served by Intercity and Sprinter trains plus metro and tram, making access very easy. The Kijk-Kubus museum house is usually open daily 10:00-18:00 (sometimes until 19:00 in July-August), takes walk-ins without booking, and costs roughly €3.50 for adults — but always confirm current hours and prices on the official website before you go.
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