Miniworld Rotterdam declares bankruptcy, closes doors after 20 years
Miniworld Rotterdam, the over 650-square-meter indoor miniature attraction near Rotterdam Centraal, has gone bankrupt and permanently closed its doors after about 20 years in operation, according to a letter from its management to suppliers, Rijnmond reports.
The decision comes after a prolonged period of financial distress and includes both an immediate shutdown of all activities and a formal bankruptcy filing planned for later this month.
Miniworld, located on the Weena in Rotterdam, opened in 2007 under the name Railz Miniworld with a focus on model railways. Over time, it expanded into a detailed miniature version of Rotterdam and other scenes, eventually becoming the largest indoor miniature world in the Benelux.
In the letter, Miniworld director Marc van Buren stated, “It is difficult for me to send you this message,” he wrote. He added, “Miniworld has been facing major challenges for quite some time. Unfortunately, I must report that a situation has now arisen that makes bankruptcy inevitable.”
“For now, it has been decided that all activities will be stopped with immediate effect. No one is permitted to enter Miniworld anymore,” Van Buren stated.
The formal bankruptcy process is set to follow in the coming weeks. “On June 19, a voluntary bankruptcy filing will be submitted. It is expected to be declared on June 23 by the Rotterdam District Court, and a trustee will be appointed,” the letter stated.
The attraction had grown into a detailed miniature representation of Rotterdam, featuring landmarks such as the Euromast, De Kuip Stadium, the Ballentent restaurant, Hotel New York, Rotterdam Centraal, and the Groothandelsgebouw.
It also included model trains, trams, a miniature harbor, a coastal village, and even a campsite and references to attractions like Diergaarde Blijdorp.
Miniworld was known for regularly updating its displays to reflect current events. One notable installation showed Mayor Carola Schouten abseiling from the Euromast after municipal election conditions were met, based on a public promise tied to voter turnout.