Description [EN]
Fenix Museum in Rotterdam is a new international art museum entirely dedicated to the theme of migration. Below are some of its key features:Location & History:The museum is housed in a restored historic warehouse from 1923 in the Katendrecht district—an area with a vibrant past, once known as Rotterdam’s former red-light district and home to the oldest Chinatown on the European mainland.Architectural Highlight:The building was transformed as part of a large-scale restoration and redesign project by MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong. A standout architectural feature is the “Tornado”—an organically shaped double spiral staircase that ascends from the ground to a rooftop platform, offering stunning views of the Maas River and the historic Hotel New York.Exhibition Program:Fenix will present multidisciplinary exhibitions, installations, and programs on migration across its expansive gallery spaces. The inaugural exhibition, “All Directions: Art That Moves You,” features 150 artworks and objects, ranging from historical artifacts to contemporary pieces. Complementing this is the photographic exhibition “The Family of Migrants,” which brings together powerful images of migration stories from over 55 countries.Significance & Context:The museum symbolically represents Rotterdam as a historic port of migration. Its original location once served as a key transit hub for the Holland America Line, through which millions of migrants traveled in the 19th and 20th centuries. Fenix thus bridges past and future by retelling migrant stories and the city’s transformations within a modern artistic framework.Community & Contemporary Relevance:Beyond permanent exhibitions, a spacious public area—the Plein—will host community events, intercultural gatherings, and educational programs, making the museum a dynamic space for exchange and interaction.With its innovative architecture, deep-rooted historical significance, and multifaceted cultural program, Fenix is set to become a new beacon of modern art and migration in Rotterdam.