World Trade Center

The Beursgebouw on Coolsingel Avenue was built between 1936 and 1940 in the Nieuwe Bouwen style, designed by architect J.F. Staal.

The Beurs building replaced the old Koopmansbeurs, the oldest stock exchange in the Netherlands. In 1987, a green-tinted glass oval-shaped structure, known as the World Trade Center (WTC), was added to the complex.

The extension, reaching a height of 93 meters, was designed by architect Rob van Erk, associated with the Groosman & Partners firm at the time.

The stock exchange hall measures 90 by 60 meters. Adjacent to the entrance is the bell tower. The most welcoming part of the building is the main entrance, located at the corner of Coolsingel and Beursplein. A large granite staircase, supported by six concrete columns, leads to the central exhibition hall. Above it is the spacious Chamber of Commerce Hall, featuring a large glass window overlooking Coolsingel.

In the middle of the staircase stands a bronze statue of G.K. van Hogendorp.

Main entrance to Beurs-World Trade Center Rotterdam

History of the Stock Exchange Building

In 1928, architect J.F. Staal won the competition to design the new Stock Exchange building.

Like the City Hall and the Post Office, the Stock Exchange building was built on Coolsingel Avenue. At that time, Rotterdam’s mayor, Zimmerman, wanted to transform Coolsingel into a famous boulevard, and J.F. Staal’s design fit perfectly with the mayor’s vision.

Construction began in 1933 and was finished just before the bombing of Rotterdam on May 14, 1940. The Beurs building suffered seven hits but was quickly repaired.

In 1941, the Beurs on Coolsingel reopened and became a venue for fairs, shops, and exhibitions.

After the war, there was a growing need for office space in Rotterdam, so the building was expanded by two floors using cement stone. In the 1960s, additional office wings were added on one floor, and the facades of most ground-floor shops were modified following the design of architect A. Staal, J.F. Staal’s son.

In 1984, construction began on the distinctive oval-shaped, sea-green World Trade Center building on top of the Stock Exchange building.

The design was created by Rob Van Erk, who was associated with the Groosman & Partners firm at the time.

The unique green elliptical tower was completed in 1987. Queen Beatrix named the entire complex Beurs-World Trade Center.

Currently, the WTC is being renovated and refurbished to house a 168-room hotel from the well-known Postillion Hotels chain. The hotel will occupy the second, third, and fourth floors of this historic building.

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