The FENIX Museum of Rotterdam is set to open on 16th May 2025. This museum of migration is the first museum dedicated to exploring migration via art. It is designed by Rotterdam’s famous Chinese architect Ma Yansong, the founder of MAD Architects.
Why Rotterdam?
It is located on the Katendrecht peninsula in the historic San Francisco warehouse. The museum stands on the dock which was used by millions of Europeans to depart for abroad and for migrants arriving. This movement played a key role in shaping the multicultural identity of Rotterdam.
Building Design
The museum is set in a 16,000 sqm area which was once part of the largest warehouse in the world. This warehouse was an important building for storing and shipping for the Holland America line (A Dutch Cargo and passenger line).
This museum has a double-helix staircase that rises to the ground floor and flows up and out of the rooftop into a viewing platform. This platform hovers over the city and offers an amazing view of the Hotel New York and the River Maas.
This museum has a series of vast gallery spaces across the two floors to house the exhibitions, collections, installations, and programs.
Apart from its galleries, FENIX Museum also acts as a cultural hub to host performances, community gatherings, and food explorations. Museum has a 2275 sqm Plein on its ground floor which is used as a free indoor city square.
Exhibitions and Collections
The museum’s opening is marked by three inaugural exhibitions. The exhibition All Direction: Art that moves consists of 150 artworks and objects in this collection. This collection includes works from various global artists like Francis Alÿs, Max Beckmann, Sophie Calle, Honoré Daumier, Jeremy Deller, Rineke Dijkstra, Omar Victor Diop, etc.
The collection also includes a fragment of the Berlin wall, a Lampedusa migrant boat, and a 1923 Nansen passport bridge, individual journeys with collective memory.
It also includes a Suitcase Labyrinth, built using 2000 donated suitcases (century-old heirlooms and other newly packed suitcases for new lives abroad). When the visitors navigate through the maze, they hear an audio which reveals the intimate details about luggage we are viewing.
FENIX Museum Project Details:
Site Area: 8,000 sqm
Client: Droom en Daad Foundation
Architectural Design: MAD Architects
Principal Partners in Charge: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano
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