A major new centre for dance in Europe

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Detailed designs by the internationally acclaimed Chinese architect, MAD, were revealed today for the new Danshuis in Rotterdam. Situated on a landmark site in the historic dock area of Rotterdam, adjacent to the recently opened Fenix museum of migration, also designed by Ma Yansong/MAD, the new Danshuis is planned to open in 2030.

Danshuis will be the largest centre for the production and development of dance of all styles under one roof in Europe, open to all ages and levels of experience, and providing the best facilities for the creation of professional and amateur dance programmes.

The designs will transform the 9,500 square metres art deco building, a former warehouse dating from 1923 on the south bank of the River Maas in central Rotterdam.

Features will include fourteen state-of-the-art dance studios, an open podium, gym, exhibition space, café and a rooftop Salle des Fêtes for large scale public programmes, with sweeping views across the city’s historic harbour. The building will be seamlessly connected through a spectacular vertical foyer which will link all the floors with the Salle des Fetes, with extensive outdoor spaces facing onto the riverfront.

Danshuis reflects the reputation of the Netherlands as a global hub for contemporary and classical dance in Europe. Home to such world-famous institutions as Nederlands Dans Theater and Dutch National Ballet, and with a popular dance culture driven by internationally acclaimed Dutch DJs, the country has led the dance revolution across Europe.

Ma Yansong, Founder and Principal Partner of MAD, said: “Movement goes beyond architecture, becoming part of the character of the district. The beauty of human movement and the moments of dance will resonate with Fenix, creating a continuous dialogue between the two.”

The plans for Danshuis have been developed by Rotterdam based Droom en Daad Foundation, also responsible for other major cultural developments in Rotterdam including the adjacent Fenix museum of migration which opened in 2025.

Laura Dufour, Director, Danshuis, and Deputy Director of the Droom en Daad Foundation, said: “Building on the unique story of the Netherlands as a world centre for dance, we believe that Danshuis can be a meeting place, an open door to everyone, from our diverse local communities to international dance professionals to share in the joy of dance, and making a real contribution to Rotterdam as truly one of the great modern cities of culture of Europe.”