Fenix is the new art museum about migration. The first in the world. The location of the museum is not just chosen: it is located in the San Francisco warehouse from 1923, once the largest transshipment warehouse in the world. 

The monumental warehouse stands on the quays from where millions of people departed. They were searching for happiness in countries like Canada, Australia, and the USA. Migrants traveled from all over Europe to Rotterdam to make the crossing for a new and better life. But here also arrived migrants who stayed, for example from Cape Verde or China. And in the 1950s, thousands of Moluccans set foot on land here.

Migration as a Theme

There are artworks and photographs from all over the world, with migration as a theme. Or as Anne Kremers, director of Fenix, says: Migration stories are the beating heart of Fenix. For example, a refugee boat from Lampedusa is on display, and a piece of the Berlin Wall. But also a painting by Willem de Kooning. The born Rotterdammer, who left as a stowaway on a ship to New York in 1926, also in search of happiness. Now the painting hangs in the place where he - somewhere on these quays - boarded.

Eye-Catcher

The Tornado is the centerpiece and the eye-catcher of the new museum. When you step into the museum, you cannot miss it. It is a double-twisted staircase made of stainless steel and wood, soaring 30 meters high through the museum.  At the top, you can enjoy a view over Rotterdam like you have never seen before.

The museum and the striking spiral staircase are designed by MAD Architects from China. Another first for Rotterdam: they are the first Chinese architectural firm to design a museum in Europe.

Trunk Labyrinth

Another eye-catcher in the museum is the Trunk Labyrinth. This is made up of 2,000 donated suitcases that Fenix has collected over the past years. There are suitcases from South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, which return to their original port of departure with a place in the museum. In the labyrinth, visitors can listen to personal stories via audio fragments.

Square: Accessible City Square

Square is a new covered city square of 2,000 square meters. Here, the neighborhood (Katendrecht) and the world come together. Every day there is something different, and everyone is welcome. It is a place where you can read a book, do homework, or just sit for a while. At the kiosk, newspapers from all over the world can be found. 

Rotterdammers can program events themselves on Square. From celebrations and cultural festivities to performances and markets. Twice a week, you can join for a meal. There are also language walks and Language Cafés, where everyone can practice Dutch in an accessible way - without reservation. Just join in.

Opening and Free Access

The festive opening show starts at 4:00 PM. From the quay, you can experience the show up close, after which Queen Máxima will officially open the new museum Fenix.

After the official moment, everyone may discover Fenix for free. Follow the route along the highlights of the building and the collection, and be one of the first to climb the Tornado.

From May 16, the museum is open to everyone. You will need an admission ticket for this. With the Rotterdampas. Link opens an external page you can go for free. For more information and opening hours, check the website: Fenix.nl. Link opens an external page.