Poetry International Poetry International
Poetry International

Bombing of Poems Poets Location FAQ Press Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

We imagine you have questions. Good, because we’re here to answer them. Have a look below at some questions we’ve received earlier and if your question is not listed, feel free to reach out to us via info@poetry.nl.

  1. Do I need to buy a ticket?
    Well… No! The entrance is free, but making an advance reservation is highly recommended. This way we can keep you updated about new info and changes. Make your reservation over here: https://poetry.stager.co/shop/bombing-of-poems.

  2. How do I get to De Binnenrotte?
    We encourage you to use public transport whenever possible. The location is also easily accessible by bicycle or on foot from Rotterdam city center.

    The Binnenrotte is excellently accessible by public transport:

    • Metro: Blaak Station (lines A, B, C)
    • Train: Rotterdam Blaak Station
    • Tram: Blaak Stop (lines 1, 11)

    Plan your journey via 9292.nl or Google Maps for the most up-to-date travel times.

    If you do come by car, park at:

    • Markthal Parking Garage
    • Blaak Parking Garage
    • Meent Parking Garage

  3. How do you select which poems get to take flight?
    Casagrande and Poetry International Rotterdam carefully selects poems from contemporary poets that represent both Dutch and Chilean voices. We acknowledge the limitations of what we can feature and aim for a diverse range of styles and themes to capture the vibrancy of today’s poetic scene in both the Netherlands and Chile.

  4. Can I keep the poems I catch?
    They're all yours! That's the whole idea, there are a 100 poems floating around - catch 'em, keep 'em, love 'em. You can also trade with those around you. It's like Pokémon, but with words!

  5. How long will this poetic precipitation last?
    The bombing will begin 15 minutes before sunset and lasts approximately 60 minutes. The helicopter will make multiple passes, ensuring a thorough coverage of poems.

  6. Will there be music or poetry performances?
    No, the bombing of poems is the actual performance. To keep the focus undivided, there will be no other performances before, during or after the poems falling from the sky.

  7. What if the weather decides to ‘rain on our parade’?
    We have a Plan B... and C! We've penciled in May 15 and 16, 2025, as backup dates. If it's too windy or rains, we'll reschedule and notify you immediately via e-mail (this is why we recommend making reservations via this link).

  8. Is the night accessible to people with limited mobility?
    Yes! We've ensured that the location is wheelchair accessible. Everyone is welcome to join in catching poems and being part of this unique experience. If you use a wheelchair or have trouble standing and would like some assistance, please reach out to us via info@poetry.nl.

  9. Is this Bombing of Poems environmentally friendly?
    Absolutely! We're committed to making this a sustainable celebration:
    • The CO2 emission of the flight will be compensated.
    • Poems are printed on wood-free, biodegradable paper with eco-friendly ink.
    • Poetry International and Casagrande will conduct a thorough clean-up after the event – even though in previous events this was unnecessary since attendees pick up the poems as a keepsake.
    • Tromp, the printing partner for his event works CO2-neutral.
    • We'll publish a comprehensive sustainability report post-event.

  10. Why is the term 'bombing' used in this context?
    The bombing of Rotterdam is a deeply rooted part of the city's identity. Keeping the term "bombing" connects directly to this historical moment that was violent and impactful. In a time when wars are still taking place, we believe it is important to actively continue to remember the destructive impact of violence.
    By using the term Bombing, we acknowledge the actual tragedy of May 14, 1940 in Rotterdam and connect it with other cities and contexts that have had similar experiences. Blurring or softening that terminology would diminish the power of the message: that even the darkest moments in history can be given new meaning through art.

  11. How can I learn more about the bombing of Rotterdam?
    Museum Rotterdam has an immersive exhibition about the bombing of Rotterdam. Good news: After 'Bombing of Poems' you can visit right away. With your Bombing of Poems ticket or with a caught bookmark from the event, you get free access to this exhibition (normal admission price € 12.50). This special offer is valid from May 15 to May 22. A unique opportunity to experience Rotterdam's history and understand why this poetry event is so meaningful for our city.

  12. How can I get involved as a volunteer?
    Thank you for wanting to involved. Please send an email to info@poetry.nl and we will get in touch.

  13. Who is organising this project? The ‘Bombing of Poems’ concept was created by the visionary artists of Casagrande Collective in 2001. Here in the Netherlands, they're collaborating with Poetry International to bring this powerful symbolic art intervention to Rotterdam.

Ask us a question