Cosmic Cabinet takes the observatory as its central reference point. Historically, observatories were not only places for scientific measurement but also spaces for reflection and imagination, where people tried to understand the movements of the cosmos and their place within it.

The exhibition uses this idea to look at how we observe, experiment, and make sense of the world. Viewing here is not only about looking at finished artworks. It is also about seeing how they are made. Materials, sketches, prototypes, and technical tests reveal the collaborative processes behind the installations and highlight experimentation, curiosity, and trial and error as important parts of artistic practice.

Several works in the exhibition explore light as a tool for observation. Historical optical instruments from the seventeenth century are reinterpreted using contemporary technologies such as lenses, mirrors, and motors. At the same time, the logic of an ancient sundial is reconstructed through artificial light. Other works examine how reflections, refraction, and moving water shape the way we perceive images and space.

Together, these works show how different systems of observation help structure how we see and measure the world. Light becomes the connecting element: it reveals images, transforms space, and makes natural phenomena visible as they unfold over time. Inspired by historical cabinets of curiosities, Cosmic Cabinet brings together instruments, experiments, and artworks in a shared environment of exploration.

Featured Katoenhuis community artists and collaborations:
Zalán Szakács (HU/RO), Studio Den Haan (NL), Nick Mansveld (NL), Narges Mohammadi (AF/NL)

Opening times

Thursday 19th – 17:00–21:00

Friday 20th – 17:00–21:00

Saturday 21st – 13:00–18:00

Sunday 22nd – 13:00–18:00

Monday 23rd – closed

Tuesday 24th – closed

Wednesday 25th – 13:00–21:00

Thursday 26th – 13:00–21:00

Friday 27th – 13:00–21:00

Saturday 28th – 10:00–21:00

Sunday 29th – 10:00–21:00

Tickets

• Regular admission: €5 per person (on site)

• Children under 12: Free

• Scapino visitors: Reduced rate €2.50 per person (with a Double Helix ticket)

• RAW visitors: Free (with a passe-partout)

For Rotterdam Art Week passe–partout check here. 

For tickets for Double Helix by Scapino Ballet check here. 

Photo credit: Boudewijn Bollmann