A place where music and movement meet: the Musical Playground in Rotterdam
On 20 May 2021, Her Majesty Queen Máxima unveiled the first Musical Playground in the Netherlands, nestled in the vibrant Crooswijk district of Rotterdam. This joyful moment marked the beginning of a lasting initiative by Méér Muziek in de Klas (More Music in the Classroom) and Lappset Nederland, designed to bring music education to children in low-income neighbourhoods during school hours and beyond.
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Learning through play with Memo
At the heart of this innovative space is the Lappset Memo, an interactive playset that merges movement, music, and learning. Shaped as a circular play zone with seven pillars equipped with 360° LED touchscreens, Memo delivers a rich, multisensory experience. Through visual prompts and spoken instructions, children are invited to move, touch, and explore rhythm, coordination, and creativity.
Memo is more than a play experience; it’s a powerful educational tool. In partnership with students from local conservatories and language schools, custom music learning content was developed. One of the highlights, the game “More Music in the Classroom: Band,” helps children learn to read musical notes, match rhythm, and create their own melodies, all while having fun.
Whether playing solo, working together in a band, or exploring freely, children don’t just participate; they become active music-makers.
Photo by Set Vexy
Lasting impact on children and communities
The Musical Playground is more than a one-time event; it’s a symbol of social inclusion and creativity. Created as a social legacy of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam, the playground ensures lasting access to music education in a public space. It brings life, energy, and learning opportunities into a neighbourhood where not all children have access to music in their daily lives.
Today, there are over 70 Memo installations across the Netherlands. Each one is a dynamic, engaging environment where children can learn, play, and grow on their own terms and in their own rhythm.
Ready to bring Memo to your community?
Whether during class or after school, the Musical Playground in Crooswijk invites every child to explore, create, and move, to grow through music in a playful, inclusive space. It's more than just a playground. It’s a stage for imagination, a classroom without walls, and a catalyst for lifelong learning.
Let’s create spaces where education, play, and movement come alive together. Explore Memo today and discover what happens when sound meets motion and play sparks potential.