Fenix ​​Museum in Rotterdam: A spectacular place for migration experiences

Fenix ​​Museum in Rotterdam: A spectacular place for migration experiences

A new landmark has enriched Rotterdam: the Fenix ​​Museum of Migration, an impressive structure designed by MAD Architects under the direction of the Chinese architect Ma Yansong. The museum, opened on May 16, 2025, is located on the banks of the Rijnhaven and is housed in a converted warehouse from the 1920s. Despite its massive concrete structure, at first glance it looks more like an aqua park, as Ma Yansong himself notes. He is repeatedly asked whether it is a swimming pool, which he emphatically denies, but allows a certain “fun aspect” to flow into the design.

The total area of ​​the Fenix ​​Museum is an impressive 170,000 square feet, including a 25,000 square foot ground floor designed as an indoor public plaza. This space is free to enter and is designed to accommodate various events, performances, community gatherings and culinary experiences. The goal is clear: to promote exchange at a local and global level.

Migration history in focus

It is no coincidence that the museum is located in the Katendrecht district. This district has a rich migration history and was once an important stop for millions of migrants traveling to America on the Holland America Line in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Fenix ​​Museum takes this historical significance into account.

The impressive combination of old and new is particularly evident in the sculptural double helix staircase, which bears the name “Tornado”. It leads to a viewing platform and offers breathtaking views of the Maas River and the legendary Hotel New York. The industrial shell of the former warehouse was preserved and thus combines the history of the place with contemporary architecture.

Diverse exhibitions

At the opening of the Fenix ​​Museum, visitors can expect three central exhibitions. “All Directions” presents over 150 historical and contemporary works from the museum collection. “The Family of Migrants” is inspired by Edward Steichen’s famous 1955 exhibition “The Family of Man.” The third exhibition, “The Suitcase Labyrinth,” features an interactive installation consisting of 2,000 donated suitcases and tells personal stories of migration and adaptation.

The Fenix ​​Museum marks an important step in the European cultural landscape. It is aimed not only at the local population, but also at international guests, and helps to bring the constant topics of migration and integration into public awareness. The museum therefore represents a significant contribution to the cultural debate on these topics that have always shaped human history.