Magic tunnel

The Tovertunnel is a unique alleyway in Delfshaven, Rotterdam. After the war, many buildings in this area were preserved and later restored as national monuments. In the 1990s, the Rotterdam city council encouraged the opening of art galleries, cafés, and restaurants to bring the city back to life.

More and more people, both tourists and locals, began exploring Delfshaven. But one alley between Schansstraat and Aelbrechtskolk stood out for the wrong reasons. It was seen as gloomy and even dangerous due to its grey concrete and lack of lighting.

In 1996, Rotterdam artist Willij Vanderlinden stepped in. He transformed the alley with bright, colorful artwork, bringing it to life. His work was widely praised. The alley was renovated again in 2018 with public funding, but the vibrancy and spirit Vanderlinden gave it have remained. Today, the Tovertunnel is a small Rotterdam gem.