The first large manifestation in Rotterdam.

The first large manifestation was Rotterdam Ahoy’. It celebrated the reconstruction of the ports of Rotterdam, Rotterdam as a world port and Rotterdam as a metropolis. With various pavilions exhibiting trade, industry and art to prove the city’s vitality and ability to bounce back after the bombing and complete devastation of the city centre. On 15 June 1950 the Dutch Queen Juliana opened the Rotterdam Ahoy’ exhibition by sounding the Jan van Galen ship’s bell clock.  The exhibition closed on 31 August having attracted over 1.5 million visitors. To watch the video of this event scroll down.