Visitor guidelines

The International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) is a place where people come together to look, listen, discover, and exchange ideas. We want everyone to enjoy the exhibition, talks, tours, and other activities in a welcoming and safe environment. 

We therefore ask you to respect one another, the artworks, and the unique industrial site where the Biennale takes place. Together, we can ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone. 

1. Respect for one another 

Everyone is welcome at IABR. We ask all visitors to treat fellow visitors, staff, artists, volunteers, and partners with respect. Creating a welcoming atmosphere is a shared responsibility. 

Behaviour that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome has no place at IABR. This includes discrimination, intimidation, aggression, threats, unwanted physical contact, or any other disruptive behaviour. If such behaviour occurs, we will address it. Where necessary, visitors may be refused entry or asked to leave the site. 

Please follow all instructions given by IABR staff, gallery attendants, security personnel, and emergency response officers. They are there to assist visitors and to help ensure everyone's safety. 

2. Admission and tickets 

You can visit the Biennale with a valid admission ticket or registration. Some talks, tours, or program activities require a separate reservation. 

Please be prepared to show your ticket or reservation if requested by a member of staff, and always follow the instructions of the venue team. 

We recommend arriving on time. For busy events or activities with a fixed starting time, late admission may not be possible once the program has begun. This helps avoid disruption for both visitors and speakers. 

IABR reserves the right to change or cancel exhibitions, talks, tours, or other program activities. We will make every effort to inform visitors of any changes. 

3. The exhibition  

The artworks, models, installations, and other exhibition elements have been created and installed with great care. Please treat them with the same care. Do not touch artworks unless it is clearly indicated that you may do so. 

Some installations are interactive. Please use these only as instructed on the signage or by a member of staff, so they remain safe and accessible for everyone. 

Food and drinks can damage artworks, equipment, and exhibition materials. Eating and drinking are therefore not permitted in the exhibition spaces. Refreshments are available in the hospitality area, where they may be consumed. Visitors may not bring their own food or drinks into the exhibition. 

Children are very welcome. Parents and guardians are asked to supervise children carefully, particularly around artworks, stairways, installations, and technical equipment. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 

4. Photography, filming, and press 

Photography for personal use is generally permitted. In some cases—for example during specific installations, performances, or talks—photography may not be allowed. Any restrictions will be clearly indicated at the entrance to the space or event. 

Please do not use flash photography, tripods, or other equipment if it may disturb other visitors or pose a risk to the artworks. 

Professional photography, filming, livestreaming, interviews, commercial recordings, and the use of drones require prior permission from IABR. 

During the Biennale, photographs and videos may be taken for IABR communication purposes. We do this with respect for our visitors. If you prefer not to appear in photographs or videos, please let a member of staff know.  

5. The site and visitor routes  

IABR 2026 takes place at the Piekfabriek, located on the former Hunter Douglas site in Rotterdam South. It is a unique industrial location with a rich history. Parts of the site outside the visitor areas remain operational. 

For your safety, please use only the designated visitor routes, entrances, and public areas. These routes have been selected to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. 

Do not enter restricted areas, work zones, loading bays, technical spaces, or other parts of the site that are not open to the public. Trucks, forklifts, machinery, and other industrial vehicles may be operating outside the designated visitor routes. 

Visitors who enter restricted areas do so against IABR instructions. IABR accepts no liability for injury, damage, or loss resulting from entry into areas that are not open to the public.  

6. Safety 

To help keep everyone safe, please keep emergency exits, stairways, walkways, and escape routes clear at all times. Do not leave bags, bicycles, strollers, or other belongings in these areas. 

If you notice an unsafe situation, please inform a member of staff immediately. In the event of an emergency, always follow the instructions of IABR staff, security personnel, emergency response officers, or emergency services. 

Parts of the site may be monitored by CCTV for the safety of visitors, staff, and property. 

7. Accessibility  

We want as many people as possible to enjoy the Biennale. If you require assistance, have reduced mobility, or have any questions about accessibility, please contact us in advance or speak to a member of staff during your visit. We are happy to help. 

Assistance dogs are welcome. Unfortunately, other animals are not permitted, as the venue can be busy and we want to protect both the artworks and our visitors. 

8. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs 

Smoking is not permitted indoors. Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are only allowed in the designated outdoor smoking areas. 

The use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Alcohol may only be purchased and consumed in areas operated by IABR or its hospitality partner. Visitors whose behaviour is affected by alcohol or drugs and causes disruption may be asked to leave the site.

9. Personal belongings and liability   

Please take care of your personal belongings. IABR is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property, except where such loss or damage results from wilful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of IABR. 

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized items may not be suitable for the exhibition spaces. Staff may ask visitors not to bring such items into the exhibition or, where possible, to leave them in a designated storage area. 

Visitors who cause damage to artworks, buildings, furnishings, equipment, or the property of others may be held liable for the costs of repair or replacement. 

10. Working together for an enjoyable visit 

These visitor guidelines are intended to help everyone enjoy a safe, welcoming, and inspiring visit. In situations not covered by these guidelines, the IABR management or an authorised member of staff will decide on the appropriate course of action. 

If you have any questions, need assistance, or would like to report something during your visit, please speak to a member of staff or contact us at info@iabr.nl. 

We wish you an inspiring visit to IABR 2026: SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT.