SESH

The Onderzeebootloods, located in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is one of the country’s most distinctive nightclub and event spaces, renowned for its industrial charm and its prominent place in Rotterdam’s vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. Originally constructed as a submarine hall in 1937, its primary function for decades was as a shipbuilding and maintenance facility within the RDM (Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij) shipyard. This vast and cavernous warehouse, situated in the port’s western edge, was used during World War II for building and repairing submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy, which is reflected in its literal name: “submarine shed.” Following the decline of shipbuilding in Rotterdam, the Onderzeebootloods remained largely vacant and underutilized until the late 2000s, when the space was repurposed as a cultural and event venue by the city and various creative organizations, notably including the Nieuwe Luxor Theater and the Rotterdam Festivals foundation.

Its architectural scale and rough, raw atmosphere made it an instant favorite for large-scale public art installations, concerts, and club nights, setting it apart from more traditional nightlife venues. Over the years, the Onderzeebootloods has come to symbolize Rotterdam’s transformation and embrace of industrial heritage as a canvas for contemporary culture. This reputation is amplified by its use for high-profile art exhibitions curated by Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen between 2010 and 2014, as well as hosting major nightlife and electronic music events, such as those organized by the legendary Rotterdam Dance Parade and cutting-edge collectives including Modular and Perron.

The venue’s unique setting—massive steel beams, concrete floors, and towering ceilings—attracted a range of enthusiasts from architecture aficionados to clubbers seeking an alternative sensibility. While it has retained its original structure, the venue has continually adapted its interior to accommodate changing event formats, from immersive raves to audiovisual installations. Accessibility has occasionally been an issue due to its isolated location in the port, but event organizers typically provide special transport options from central Rotterdam.

Over the course of its existence as a nightclub and event venue, Onderzeebootloods has hosted a slew of notable artists, cementing its global standing in the electronic music and avant-garde nightlife community. Both international and local performers have graced its stage, among them Jeff Mills, Ben Klock, Nina Kraviz, Adam Beyer, Speedy J (a Rotterdam native), Legowelt, Dave Clarke, Dax J, Len Faki, Oscar Mulero, Anetha, Stranger (another Rotterdam talent), and Charlotte de Witte. These performances, often paired with cutting-edge visuals and ambitious production, have elevated the venue’s notoriety and helped maintain Rotterdam’s status as a central hub in Europe’s electronic music network.