The Beehive

De Bijenkorf department store in Rotterdam is an iconic building that played an important role in rebuilding the city after World War II. Designed by renowned architect Marcel Breuer, the department store opened in 1957 and is an example of modernist architecture. The striking building is made of concrete, steel, and glass. It has large windows and a functional, clean design that fits the new zeitgeist of the Reconstruction period.

The Bijenkorf is not just a department store, but also symbolizes the renewed vibrancy of the city center after the destruction of the war. The design exudes progress and optimism, with spacious storefronts that let in natural light and invite shopping. The main entrance, with its distinctive mosaics and reliefs, emphasizes the modern and open feel of the building.

The building fitted perfectly into Rotterdam's reconstruction plan and is an example of how architecture could contribute to the city's revival.