In May 2025, the Fenix Museum opened in Rotterdam, Netherlands, celebrating global migration through contemporary art, historical artefacts, and personal stories. Guests can see how various international artists such as Shilpa Gupta, Steve McQueen, Rineke Dijkstra, and Kimsooja explore the theme through their work.
Celebrating migration through art, the new Fenix is a testament to the thousands of European emigrants who embarked on a journey to seek a new life abroad. The museum is in what used to be the world’s largest transhipment warehouse. As a result, the primary exhibitions are spread across the original docks on which steamships operated by the Holland-America Line anchored. “These docks witnessed the departure of millions of people, including Albert Einstein, actor Johnny Weissmuller, and artists Willem de Kooning and Max Beckmann,” said Anne Kremers, the museum’s director.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore a high number of documentary photos in The Family of Migrants section. Moreover, when visiting The Suitcase Labyrinth, tourists will listen to personal stories from travellers themselves. The building is also home to Plein, a new indoor public square where Fenix and the people of Rotterdam co-create programming.
Moreover, the museum also includes a collection of personal mementoes from the people of Rotterdam, which tell individual stories of migration. These are displayed alongside significant historical artefacts, such as a piece of the Berlin Wall, a migrant boat from Lampedusa, and a Nansen passport from 1923.
Restored to honour the past but also have a glimpse into the future, the building includes a modern architectural touch. As the most distinctive feature of the Fenix Museum, the designers added a staircase called the Tornado, which leads to a scenic rooftop viewpoint.
A highlight of the Fenix Museum is its architectural marvel, the Tornado staircase, designed by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects. This swirling, silver structure connects the ground floor, first floor, and a rooftop observation deck offering panoramic views of Rotterdam’s waterfront, including the former Hotel New York, once the Holland-America Line headquarters.
Ticket prices at the Fenix vary depending on the visitor’s age. Adult tickets are priced at €15.00, while young adults (19-25) have to pay €7.50. Children under 18 and holders of Rotterdampas enter for free. Tickets give access to the Tornado and all exhibitions. Other areas of the museum are accessible for free, including the café, bakery, gelateria, museum shop, and the Plein. The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, opening its doors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Fridays.
