Euromast

“The Euromast was, at 185 meters tall, the highest building in the city for a long time. Today, that title belongs to Zalmhaven I, a residential tower of 215 meters. The Euromast was erected in 1960 in honor of the Floriade, a horticultural exhibition that was held every ten years in a different location in the Netherlands until last year. The exhibition in 1960 was quite an experience. A cable car was even built towards the Museumpark.”

“The cylindrical shaft of the Euromast is made of concrete, while the crow’s nest has a steel framework. It was constructed in two parts in Utrecht and then raised here in one piece around the concrete core to the height where it still hangs today. A remarkable feat of engineering.”

“Initially, the Euromast was only as tall as the crow’s nest, which was about 100 meters. In the 1970s, they added the Space Tower on top. The black disc is an observation cabin where you can sit and spiral all the way to the top. From there, you have a fantastic view over Rotterdam. If you come here on a Saturday, you will also see climbers rappelling from the crow’s nest. There is also a restaurant located in that crow’s nest. The design of the original Euromast is by Hugh Maaskant, who also designed the Lijnbaan flats and surrounding area. He was a very important architect for the reconstruction of Rotterdam and also designed the Groothandelsgebouw and the Hilton Hotel in our city, among others.”

GVA - Gazet van Antwerpen