The city of Utrecht is famous for its historical town centre. However, it also boasts many modern architectural sites by well-known architects such as Rietveld and Rem Koolhaas. Many of these contemporary buildings are situated in the inner city, where the medieval structure and surrounding buildings had to be taken into account during the design and building process. Recent extentions to the eastern en western side of Utrecht (De Uithof and VINEX Leidsche Rijn) accommodated a further number of architectural highlights. Throughout the year, Aorta, the Utrecht Centre for Architecture, organises guided tours to (modern) architectural sites and landscape architecture in Utrecht. These excursions are concentrated around several subjects and locations.

All tours will be given by professional guides specialised in history of architecture, social geography, engineering or landscape architecture. They will provide extensive background information on historical, architectural and town-planning developments. Tours are usually given in Dutch, but group tours can also be given in English and, if requested well in advance, also in other languages.

During the summer months guided tours start almost every weekend, either on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. The tours last approximately 1,5 to 2 hours and cost around € 7,50 per person (€ 6,25 with student discount), depending on subject and duration. Prices do not include any travel expenses on your side. The information is given in Dutch. Bookings, reservations and inquiries can be made at Aorta.

Aorta, the Utrecht Centre of Architecture

Aorta offers information about developments in the field of urban development, architecture and related disciplines in the Utrecht region. This is done by means of activities with a temporary character, such as exhibitions, events, guided tours, discussions and lectures. Aorta is a permanent source of information about architecture in Utrecht and the surrounding area.

Information and bookings
Bookings, reservations and inquiries can be made at the information desk in Aorta from Wednesday to Friday between 12.00 and 17.00 pm, and on Saturdays between 13.00 and 17.00 pm. For reservations by phone or fax please use the numbers given below.