Puzzle in a Bag
April marks my “Rotterversary”; I moved to Rotterdam in 2008. When Puzzle in a Bag invited me to illustrate a city puzzle, it became an opportunity to reflect on what first drew me to the city, and how it has changed since.
I wanted to portray Rotterdam through the eyes of its residents: layered, contradictory, and full of stories. To keep the illustration grounded, I consulted historian Ferrie Weeda and gathered input from Rotterdammers on what they felt should not be missed.
The puzzle combines more than 40 references to Rotterdam's history, architecture, culture, and local legends. Familiar landmarks such as the Euromast, Erasmus Bridge, Markthal, Kubuswoningen, Hotel New York, and the Van Nelle Factory, de Schie prison, appear alongside beloved Rotterdam personalities including Spiderman on his white e-scooter, Jules Deelder, Sambalman, Zekic Slobodan, Nataniël Gomes (the inventor of the kapsalon), Amina Hussen, Woman of the Year 2025, and urban planner Riek Bakker.
Scattered throughout the illustration are public artworks, street food stalls, container ships, construction cranes, kids on fatbikes, seagulls, Rotterdam's notorious rats, and many other details that residents will recognise.
Rotterdam, ik hou nog steeds van je.
Available in my webshop
Or the Puzzle in a bag shop
© Rachel Sender — Rotterdam, the Netherlands