A Bold New Art Space Opens in Rotterdam
In May 2025, a brand-new art destination opened in Rotterdam: Fenix Museum. What makes it truly unique is its bold and universal theme—migration—making it the world’s first contemporary art museum to take on this subject as its core focus.
But even before stepping inside, what grabs your attention is its striking architectural design. Rising dramatically from the center of the building is a massive, futuristic silver tornado-shaped staircase that looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Of course, I couldn’t resist—I had to go check it out for myself!
From Historic Warehouse to Cutting-Edge Art Hub
Fenix Museum is a stunning renovation of the Fenixloods (Fenix Warehouse), originally built in 1923. It’s located on the south side of Rotterdam, just across from the iconic Hotel New York.
This isn’t just any warehouse—it once served as a departure point for millions of European migrants boarding ships operated by the Holland America Line. The building itself carries a deep historical resonance.
The transformation was led by the Dutch architecture firm Bureau Polderman, skillfully preserving the building’s historic charm while weaving in functionality and a strong connection to the local community.
Architectural Highlight: The Tornado Staircase
When you think of Fenix, the first thing that comes to mind is the Tornado Staircase. Twisting up from the top of the building in a swirl of silver, it’s visible from afar and instantly iconic.
This mesmerizing structure was designed by MAD Architects, led by renowned Chinese architect Ma Yansong. As its name suggests, the design mimics the dynamic motion of a tornado—a stunning fusion of movement and form.
As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by this dramatic, 30-meter-high, double-helix stainless steel staircase. It’s not just an artwork in itself—it’s also the main entrance to the museum!
The staircase is a symbolic representation of a “migrant’s journey”. Two intertwining spirals intersect and connect along the way, echoing themes of movement, meetings, and divergence. As you climb, you can almost feel these narratives come to life beneath your feet.
The mirrored surfaces create surreal reflections, almost like optical illusions—perfect for fun, stylish photos. (Pro tip: it makes your legs look longer. Win-win.)
At the top, a 24-meter-high observation deck awaits, offering panoramic views of Rotterdam’s skyline and the Maas River. From every angle, the building reveals a different personality—never the same twice.
Ground Floor: Stories of Migration
On the first floor (entrance level), Fenix offers two free exhibitions open to the public.
One is a photography exhibition featuring over 150 historical and contemporary works collected over the past five years. These pieces offer a powerful glimpse into the world through the eyes of migrants.
The other is an immersive installation called the “Suitcase Maze.” Made up of 2,000 suitcases, it physically represents individual migrant stories. Many of the suitcases contain real records dating back to 1898, allowing you to literally walk through migration history.
Upstairs: Contemporary Art in an Industrial Space
Climb the Tornado Staircase to the second floor, and you’ll find a space devoted to conceptual contemporary art.
Maintaining the raw, industrial charm of the original warehouse, the space feels refined and minimalist—reminiscent of a gallery in New York. Even with no background in art, the exhibitions are highly accessible and enjoyable.
A Museum Rooted in the Community
Fenix is located in Katendrecht, a neighborhood once home to one of Europe’s first Chinatowns—a culturally rich and diverse area. The museum’s creation was deeply inspired by this heritage, aiming to offer a multifaceted and empathetic lens on migration today.
Outside, the grounds include open areas and event spaces where anyone can hang out, truly making it a museum for the community.
Oh, and yes—there’s an ice cream stand on-site that draws long lines on hot days.
Next door, the Fenix Food Factory is perfect for grabbing a bite or sipping on some craft beer after exploring the museum.
Getting There: Try the Water Taxi!
While the closest metro station is Rijnhaven, I highly recommend taking a water taxi—a fun and scenic way to get there.
These small yellow boats, a classic part of Rotterdam life, can take you from Leuvehaven (near the Maritime Museum) to just in front of Hotel New York.
The route takes you under the Erasmus Bridge and along Rotterdam’s historic harbor—a mini sightseeing cruise in itself. It’s fast, breezy, and a bit of an adventure. All that for around €5!
Final Thoughts
Fenix Museum is one of a kind—a beautiful blend of history, architecture, contemporary art, and social storytelling.
And that Tornado Staircase? Totally worth the trip on its own. It’s both a functional entrance and a powerful piece of sculpture, offering a unique perspective on the migrant journey.
If you’re heading to Rotterdam, make sure to add Fenix to your itinerary. It’s futuristic, deeply human, and an experience you won’t forget.