The 55th Poetry International Festival Rotterdam will be taking place from June 12-15 at Theater Zuidplein in Rotterdam, showcasing over five decades of the brilliance of poets from around the world. Expect readings, special themed events, talk shows, films, workshops, poetry tours and after-parties.

Poetic expression on a pedestal

Organised by the Poetry International Foundation, the goal of the festival is to create a platform for the international exchange, stimulation and appreciation of great poetry both in the Netherlands and abroad.

"Poetry and the art of expression on a pedestal."

Attracting both Dutch and international visitors, the event puts poetry and the art of expression on a pedestal. Through lectures, talks, readings, interviews and conversations, works by both renowned and up-and-coming poets are presented, analysed, critiqued and appreciated. 

Due to the international nature of the festival, the intricate role of translation is also a focal point in workshops and seminars that examine methods of retaining meaning, structure and impact across languages.

Poetry International 55th edition

Each year, the festival tackles a new theme or topic. This edition invites us to celebrate the boundless imagination of poetry and how poems have been written about almost everything.

Thousands of poets have read their poems at Poetry International Festival Rotterdam, in the principal festival venues, as well as on city squares and in bars, parks and trams over the past five decades. Come and reflect and see what the future will bring in terms of poetry, this time at LantarenVenster and Verhalenhuis Belvédère.

Visit Poetry International

Plan your visit to this unmissable edition of Poetry International that explores the world of trailblazing poets from across the globe. Keep up to date with the event line-up on the Poetry International website and the Poetry International Facebook page.