Fenix is the new art museum about migration. Located in a historic harbor warehouse on the Rotterdam docks of departure and arrival. A key part of Fenix is Plein—the voice of the city. Every year, dozens of events are organized here by and for Rotterdam residents on this covered city square. From celebrations to cultural festivals, and from performances to markets.
This press newsletter provides a preview of the June and July programming, including the Night of the Refugee, Stories from Srebrenica, and North Sea Round Town at the Kaap. You can find the full line-up, including recurring community dinners and language cafés, on the website.
Night of the Refugee
June 14 | 5:30 PM – 11:59 PM | Free
During the Night of the Refugee, from Saturday, June 14 to Sunday, June 15, thousands of people across the Netherlands walk 10, 20, or 40 kilometers to raise awareness for people fleeing conflict and to collect funds for emergency aid projects of Stichting Vluchteling. Plein is one of the starting locations. Two evening routes of 10 and 20 kilometers and one overnight route of 40 kilometers start here. The evening routes finish back at Plein, while the night walk ends Sunday morning at Het Nationale Theater in The Hague.
Crossing Tables #1: Legacy of Rice
June 19 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | €35
Next edition: July 17
In Crossing Tables, an artist, chef, or collective explores stories through food every third Thursday of the month at Plein. In this first edition, Atelier Code Noir serves a two-course meal centered around Oryza glaberrima, an ancient African rice variety. While dining, participants reflect on stories about food, migration, and forgotten knowledge. Where does our food come from? What does this rice reveal about African agricultural heritage and the ways that history has been erased?
Stories from Srebrenica
June 21 | 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Free
The genocide in Srebrenica is the largest in Europe since World War II. Thirty years later, survivors, relatives, and those involved share their stories at Plein. City Councilor Said Kasmi will open the program. Journalist Mustafa Haziibrahimović will present his book Mijn Liefste – de brieven van Srebrenica, a collection of letters from surviving family members. Mustafa will also talk with journalist/writer Chris Keulemans and architect Arna Mačkić (initiator of the campaign “Srebrenica is Dutch History”) about how the letters have impacted them. In addition, Elma Čavčić will lead a workshop merging art and memory, a story market will showcase books on Bosnia, and Mladi BiH will perform traditional Sevdah music. The event is an initiative by Rotterdam Herdenkt Srebrenica, Mladi BiH, and PAX.
Theatre: Makandra
June 24 & July 3 | 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Free, ticket reservation required
The Theaterwerkplaats voor Ouwe Rotten presents two performances on the legacy of slavery. Makandra—Sranantongo for “together”—tells the story of six women. They share stories that interweave their lives: a family history rooted in the slavery past, with connections to Curaçao, Suriname, and the Netherlands. What do they carry with them? What do they pass on? And what do they leave behind? A post-performance discussion with the artists follows each show.
Keti Koti: Free Heri Heri for All
July 1 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Free
Keti Koti marks both the commemoration and celebration of the abolition of slavery. Part of this is Free Heri Heri for All, where free Heri Heri meals are distributed at various locations throughout the Netherlands. Heri Heri is a centuries-old one-pot Surinamese dish with roots in the slavery era. At Plein, Heri Heri will be served during Keti Koti as well. Everyone is welcome to join at the table or take a meal to go. The food is prepared by Avenue Nine, and DJ Richard will provide a festive atmosphere. Free Heri Heri for All is an initiative by KIP Republic.
North Sea Round Town at the Kaap: Universal Rhythms
July 9 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Concert: Free | Dinner: €21.50
As part of North Sea Round Town (NSRT), NN North Sea Jazz presents over 350 concerts at 125 different locations across Rotterdam. At Plein, tasting, listening, and experiencing come together in a concert concept created by chef Houria Tourich and trumpeter Peter Somuah, NSRT 2025’s Artist in Focus. Together with Ghaeth Almaghoot (bass clarinet) and Talal Fayad (oud), Peter explores surprising connections between musical traditions from Syria and Ghana. Houria will serve a dinner full of flavors from the Syrian and Ghanaian cuisines.
