Cheers to satisfied customers
The Nederlands Fotomuseum opened its new home at Pakhuis Santos on the Rijnhaven in Rotterdam. For the invitation-only opening on February 5, 2026, we served espresso martinis to more than 500 guests. It was an evening where the museum, the building, and the cocktail complemented each other perfectly.
From Coffee Beans to Photos
The Santos Warehouse was built in 1901–1902 to store coffee from the Brazilian port city of Santos. More than a century later, this national historic landmark is home to the new Nederlands Fotomuseum. We wanted to let visitors get a taste of that coffee history in their glasses at the opening.
So the choice was an easy one: the espresso martini. Freshly brewed espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur, shaken vigorously until a creamy layer of foam forms. A nod to the beans that once lay here, and a cocktail perfect for a festive opening.
More than 500 espresso martinis, freshly shaken
Over 500 guests, one bar, and two bartenders: that calls for a fast pace. Our bartenders were shaking drinks all evening long, and yet every espresso martini was made fresh, one by one. No premixed cocktails—just a full bar with a steady stream of customers.
Our vintage cargo bike from the 1930s stood between the old warehouse walls as if it had always been there. The bartenders in their Peaky Blinders outfits completed the picture. Between exhibits, the sound of shakers and the aroma of fresh coffee naturally drew guests to the bar.
A mix of success!
The espresso martini turned out to be the perfect cocktail for this venue. Guests came back for a second round, and the bar stayed busy all evening. That’s how the new museum got off to a great start right from the very first night.
