SESH

Brutus is a prominent cultural venue and nightclub located in Rotterdam, Netherlands, that has quickly become an essential part of the city’s progressive art and nightlife scenes since its inception. The building, a vast brutalist warehouse complex in the M4H district, was founded by art collector Joep van Lieshout and his collective Atelier Van Lieshout in 2022. Brutus is named after the bold, industrial style of the premises and functions as a hybrid space housing exhibitions, performances, and club nights, seamlessly blending visual art with music and nightlife culture.

The venue’s reputation extends beyond traditional nightclubbing, as it regularly hosts cutting-edge multimedia art installations, experimental theater, and immersive events that draw both the creative community and electronic music aficionados. Over time, Brutus has evolved in both structure and scope: what began as a raw, experimental warehouse environment transformed into an ambitious art complex with multiple rooms and ever-changing installations. Brutus stands out in the Netherlands for its ethos of artistic freedom—offering a platform for boundary-pushing projects that might not find a home in more conventional galleries or clubs.

As a result, it has garnered significant cultural significance as a hotspot for innovation and collaboration, attracting attention from both local and international audiences. Notable artists who have performed at Brutus include international electronic acts such as Ben UFO, Helena Hauff, and Courtesy, alongside pioneering Dutch talents like Mary Lake, Identified Patient, and mad miran. The venue continues to host dynamic lineups that span genres from techno and house to experimental live sets, consistently reaffirming its reputation as a crucible for creativity and nightlife in Rotterdam.