Photograph tilted yellow cube houses from Overblaak walkway or with Markthal in background. Interior show cube offers unique perspective opportunities.
The Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) at Overblaak in central Rotterdam are among the most distinctive architectural photography subjects in the Netherlands: 38 yellow-green tilted cubes balanced on hexagonal pylons above a pedestrian walkway adjacent to Blaak station, their geometry producing striking compositions at multiple scales and from multiple angles. The primary approach for exterior photography is from the Overblaak pedestrian walkway directly beneath the cubes, where shooting upward from street level with a wide-angle lens captures the full cluster of tilted forms against the sky, the pylons converging and the cube faces angled simultaneously toward and away from the observer. A second key position is from the Markthal entrance on the opposite side of the road, where the cube cluster can be framed with the Markthal horseshoe arch in the background — two extreme examples of contemporary Rotterdam architecture in the same frame. Blue-hour photography in the evening, when the residential cube interiors illuminate and the yellow-green façades catch the artificial light, produces the most striking images of the cluster. The architectural contrast between the cubes and the neighbouring structures — the Markthal, the Blaak metro canopy, and older harbour buildings — provides a range of compositional layering options. The exterior walkway is publicly accessible at all hours without charge. The Kijk-Kubus show house at Overblaak 70 admits visitors for a small fee and offers interior perspectives through the dramatically angled windows over Rotterdam.
Location
51.9201, 4.4900 View on map
Highlights
- Overblaak pedestrian walkway directly below the cubes for upward wide-angle compositions
- Markthal entrance position for framing cubes with the MVRDV arch in the same shot
- Blue-hour evening shots when cube interiors illuminate and yellow-green façades are lit
- Architectural contrast between the cubes, Markthal, and Blaak metro structure in one frame
- Kijk-Kubus show house interior provides inside-out perspectives through the angled windows
Tips for visiting
- Shoot from directly below on the Overblaak walkway with a wide-angle (16–24 mm) lens
- Blue hour (30–45 minutes after sunset) illuminates cube interiors against a dark sky
- From the Markthal entrance, a 35–50 mm lens frames both the cubes and the arch together
- Visit the Kijk-Kubus interior (small admission fee) for angled window views over Rotterdam
- Midday sun creates strong geometry shadows on the cube faces that are effective in black-and-white
When to visit
Blue hour in the evening (30–45 minutes after sunset) provides the most dramatic illuminated cube shots. Midday on sunny days creates strong geometric shadows across the cube faces. The Kijk-Kubus museum is open daily and least crowded on weekday mornings.
Accessibility
The Overblaak pedestrian walkway is fully accessible for wheelchairs and is flat throughout. The Kijk-Kubus interior has steep internal stairs between floors and is not accessible for wheelchair users; the ground-level entrance room is accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to go inside the Cube Houses?
The Kijk-Kubus show house at Overblaak 70 is open as a museum for a small fee of approximately €3.50. The other cubes are private residences.
What lens works best for photographing the Cube Houses?
Ultra-wide-angle lenses (16–24 mm) are most useful from directly beneath the cubes. A standard 35–50 mm is effective for the Markthal-background composition. Telephoto is less useful given the confined pedestrian space.
When is the best time for Cube Houses photography?
Blue hour in the evening when the interiors illuminate produces the most atmospheric shots. Midday on clear days creates strong contrasting shadows across the cube geometry.
Are there restrictions on photography at the Cube Houses?
Personal photography is freely permitted from the public walkway. The Kijk-Kubus interior permits photography for personal use.