The iconic roof of Rotterdam Central Station
The roof of Rotterdam Central Station is affectionately called Station Kapsalon or Shark’s Mouth. The station opened ten years ago on the site where the Van Ravesteyn station stood between 1957 and 2008. Like the old station, this new building symbolizes Rotterdam as a modern metropolis.
The nickname Station Kapsalon refers to the shiny, futuristic design of the station that resembles the popular fast-food dish, the kapsalon. This name originated because of the aluminum roof of the station, which resembles the aluminum trays in which kapsalon is served. The nickname is a beloved part of Rotterdam’s culture and adds a playful twist to the architectural identity of the station.