Fenix, the first museum in the world to explore themes around migration through the lens of art will open to the public on a landmark site in Rotterdam’s City Harbour on Friday 16 May 2025
On Friday, May 16, 2025, Fenix opens as the world’s first museum to tell the story of migration through art. It is located in the San Francisco warehouse, once the largest transshipment warehouse in the world, situated on the iconic quays of departure and arrival in the city of Rotterdam. These quays marked the beginning of a new life for millions of people—whether en route to the United States or Canada, or arriving from China, Cape Verde, and Greece.
Housed in the monumental 1923 warehouse, Fenix showcases works by over a hundred artists from all continents, demonstrating that migration is both timeless and universal. Among the featured artists are Rineke Dijkstra, Shilpa Gupta, and Yinka Shonibare. In addition to the international art collection, visitors will experience The Luggage Maze and the documentary photography exhibition The Family of Migrants.
On the ground floor, a 2,000-square-meter covered city square, Plein, will host programs co-created by Fenix and the people of Rotterdam.
The museum’s centerpiece and showstopper is The Tornado, a double-helix staircase at the heart of the building that leads to a panoramic rooftop deck. This architectural masterpiece was designed by MAD Architects, marking the debut of the Chinese firm in creating a museum building in Europe.
