The New Library – Part one | 1983 - 2026 (2026)

Step inside the transforming heart of the Rotterdam Central Library, one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated civic landmarks. The New Library – Part One captures a pivotal transition at the historic archive, offering an immersive glimpse into the meticulous dismantling of its signature interior layout. Spanning forty years, this compelling documentary traces the structure’s foundational roots while examining how it has continuously reshaped conversations around education, communal gathering, and metropolitan living. By weaving together vintage records and modern perspectives, the film positions the architectural heritage site within Rotterdam’s relentless cycle of urban renewal, prompting reflection on how citywide progress can honor the physical spaces that anchor our shared history. Serving as the inaugural segment of a documentary diptych, this insightful feature spotlights a revered late-1960s landmark and sparks vital conversation about what lies ahead for both the building and the community it serves.