Portlantis Gateway to discovery
How do you turn a brand-new experience center into a must-visit destination? Portlantis, the innovative experience center at Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte 2, opened March 2025. More than just a building, designed by our neighbors of MVRDV, it is a gateway to the world’s most dynamic harbor, offering interactive exhibits, spectacular views, and immersive experiences.
But awareness was a challenge. Despite Rotterdam’s port being a global hub, a staggering 69% of the general public had never heard of its previous visitor center, FutureLand. We needed a bold, multi-layered strategy to make Portlantis unmissable.
- Client
- Havenbedrijf Rotterdam
- Services
- Launch campaign
The Discovery
The campaign teased Portlantis as an exciting, mysterious destination, an uncharted territory waiting to be uncovered. Inspired by its futuristic name, we positioned it as more than just a visitor center—it was a gateway to discovery, a place where the vast world of the port came to life in unexpected ways. With each step closer, Portlantis transformed from a mystery into an adventure, a place not just to visit, but to experience, explore, and uncover.
We developed a key visual and the sound identity of Portlantis, two essential elements that define the brand experience. The Portlantis sound design—including a DNA track and sound logo—is designed for multi-purpose use, seamlessly integrating into social media, events, activations, and the physical environment to create a consistent and immersive brand presence.
Visual and animation: OneSize / Sounddesign: Ill Go Rhythms
The Sirens of Portlantis are calling
As Rotterdam prepared for the grand opening of Portlantis, a mysterious phenomenon took over the city. Bright red buoys appeared in key locations, emitting an eerie, melodic sound— a hypnotic blend of harbor echoes and haunting voices. When approached, the sound intensified, drawing people in. Each buoy carried a QR code, leading to a gamified challenge.
The Sirens had called. Now, the city was listening.
A solid build-Up
We launched a multi-channel outdoor and digital campaign across Rotterdam. Digital billboards and city-wide posters created a striking presence, with countdown displays ticking down to the big day. Advertisements in all major Rotterdam media outlets ensured broad visibility, while on social media, the countdown had begun, supported by targeted social ads to drive awareness and engagement.
Engage the students
To directly engage primary school students, Portlantis launched several school-wide competitions, encouraging creativity and curiosity about the port. These challenges not only introduced young learners to the world of Portlantis but also gave them the chance to win exclusive experiences, making them an active part of the discovery.
Portlantis Unveiled: A Cinematic Tease
For the launch of Portlantis we created a cinematic commercial that teases, intrigues, and invites. Together with TVD Producties, we developed a visual journey that captures the energy of Portlantis without revealing too much.
With captivating music, poetic voice-over and striking visuals, the film brings the elements of wind, water and industry together in one flowing experience. A mysterious discovery builds toward a powerful reveal: Portlantis, at the edge of the sea, in the heart of the port.
An Epic Start: The Grand Opening of Portlantis
On March 19th, Portlantis officially opened its doors with a bold, theatrical event — designed to reflect the energy, innovation and layered storytelling that define the new experience center in the Port of Rotterdam.
From a cinematic brand movie and live interviews to a spectacular flag ceremony and a powerful reveal in the heart of the building, the opening brought together partners, press and key figures from the port community. A live choir, symbolic characters representing past, present and future, and an immersive light-and-sound countdown made the moment unforgettable.
Together with our partners led by our good friends from FJUZE, we shaped not just an event — but a launch that truly captured the spirit of Portlantis: a place where the port of today and tomorrow comes to life.
Photo: Robin Utrecht
