About us

Iconic location
Heart of Rotterdam
Top-class catering
Iconic location
 
Heart of Rotterdam
Top-class catering

Welcome to the Hulstkamp Gebouw

A historic event venue on the banks of the Maas River, where heritage, hospitality and memorable experiences come together. The building has been part of Rotterdam’s cityscape for more than a century. Today, it provides an exceptional setting for weddings, corporate gatherings, conferences, dinners and events of all sizes.

Explore our history

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE HULSTKAMP GEBOUW

With an experienced team behind the scenes, a true ‘Rotterdam hands-on mentality’ and plenty of enthusiasm, we create events that perfectly match the wishes of our guests. We believe in personal contact, direct communication and an approach where we actively think along with you – from the first introduction to the moment the last guest leaves.

Meet the team behind the Hulstkamp Gebouw.
From left to right: Julia, Sam, Harry and Paula.

Team | Hulstkamp Gebouw Rotterdam
Hulstkamp Gebouw Rotterdam

Our approach

At Hulstkamp Gebouw, it’s all about creating an exceptional experience. No standard packages, but tailor-made solutions that reflect your wishes, your guests and the character of the occasion.

From the very first meeting, we work with you to shape your event in the best possible way. We inspire you with the possibilities of our historic venue and advise you on the perfect culinary experience. Together, we work step by step towards an event where every detail is just right. From the styling and layout of the spaces to the culinary concept and the guest experience: everything is carefully and creatively curated with an eye for detail.

On the day itself, our experienced event professionals ensure that the venue and catering come together seamlessly. You don’t have to worry about a thing and can fully rely on a flawless execution. Exclusive, personal and meticulously taken care of.

History

Discover the story of this iconic Rotterdam event venue, built in 1888, and be inspired by more than a century of history, character and hospitality.

1888 – 1892

Design and construction

Rotterdam architect Jacobus Pieter Stok designed the Hulstkamp Gebouw on behalf of Laming & Zonen. He followed the architectural fashion of the time, choosing the Dutch Neo-Renaissance style. Typical features include the combination of natural stone and red brickwork, as well as the string courses, the horizontal white bands across the façade.

1892 – 1919

Margarine and cheese factory

After its construction, the Hulstkamp Gebouw served as a margarine and cheese factory for Laming & Zonen. In addition to large production and storage areas, the company directors wanted the building to include offices and residential accommodation.

One part of the building was therefore used to produce cheese and margarine, with ample warehouse space for maturing the cheese. The building also served as the company’s headquarters and as the home of its owner, J. Laming.

1919 – 1979

Jenever distillery

After Laming & Zonen went bankrupt, the Hulstkamp Gebouw was acquired by Hulstkamp & Zoon & Molijn, which established a jenever distillery on the premises. The warehouse was particularly suitable because aged jenevers required a long maturation period.

The building owes its name to the company’s decades-long presence and became popularly known as the Hulstkampgebouw. The distillery remained in operation until 1978, when the company was acquired by its Amsterdam-based competitor Bols.

1940

The bombing of Rotterdam

During the bombing of Rotterdam in May 1940, most of Noordereiland was spared. German forces had taken control of the island and immediately occupied the Hulstkamp Gebouw.

Only the two ends of the island were ultimately hit, resulting in the loss of approximately 600 homes. These attacks were carried out by British forces in an attempt to isolate the Germans by targeting the bridges across the Maas. The Hulstkamp Gebouw remained otherwise entirely intact throughout the war.

1979

Renovations

In 1979, Rotterdam property developer Tom Westermeijer purchased the Hulstkamp Gebouw with plans to transform it into an office and conference centre. This resulted in a radical redesign of the interior.

The warehouse and covered courtyard were converted into the Wintertuin, while the two factory halls were given an elegant new appearance. Concrete floor slabs were replaced with natural stone, wall panelling was added and storage areas were transformed into offices.

Due to the economic downturn and high renovation costs, Westermeijer’s property company encountered financial difficulties. As a result, all of its prestigious Rotterdam projects had to be sold to the Westland Utrecht Hypotheekbank.

1980 – 1995

Rotterdam Marines Museum

After a period of vacancy, the building housed the Rotterdam Marines Museum for 15 years. Its collection explored the origins and history of the Netherlands Marine Corps, the elite amphibious force of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

During this period, in 1984, the Hulstkamp Gebouw was sold to the Thon Group, the property company owned by Norwegian billionaire Olav Thon.

1995 – heden

Business centre and event venue

Following an extensive renovation of the office building and the demolition of the distillery, the historic property became a multi-tenant business centre and a venue for parties and conferences, operated by Maison van den Boer. Hutten Catering took over the operation in 2021.

2000

Listed national monument

With its distinctive height, width and depth, the Hulstkamp Gebouw stands apart from the otherwise consistent and relatively uniform façades along the Maaskade. It is best known for its monumental façade facing the river and has become one of Rotterdam’s most recognisable and defining pre-war buildings.

In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the Hulstkamp Gebouw was granted listed national monument status in 2000.

Events | Hulstkamp Gebouw Rotterdam

RESPONSIBLE, FLAVOURFUL AND SURPRISING

 

Gastronomy is at the heart of the culinary experience at the Hulstkamp Gebouw. Cooking to the highest standards is our passion and forms the foundation of everything we create. From innovative bites at a corporate event and a healthy lunch during a meeting to an exceptional dinner, our menus are always responsible, flavourful and full of surprises.

We work with seasonal ingredients and are passionate about sustainable craftsmanship. By sourcing locally, we select the finest regional and seasonal produce while supporting local businesses.