The Fenix Museum, designed by MAD Architects, is set to open in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in May 2026. Located in a historic warehouse on the Katendrecht peninsula, the museum tells the stories of migration, loss, transformation, and hope.
The Fenix warehouse, built in 1923, was once a major transhipment hub, serving as a departure point for millions of migrants. The building’s history is intricately tied to the lives it touched, including notable figures like Albert Einstein and Willem de Kooning.
MAD Architects’ design transforms the warehouse into a cultural landmark, featuring a striking double-helix sculptural steel staircase called the Tornado. Rising through the core of the facility, the Tornado extends onto a rooftop viewing platform, offering expansive views of the River Maas and the city skyline.
The museum’s interior features three major installations on the ground floor, including “The Maze,” an expansive structure composed of 2,000 donated suitcases, and the “Family of Migrants” photographic installation. A flexible space of 2,275 sq.m. will host various exhibitions and programs.
Project Details:
Name: Fenix Museum
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Type: Museum, Renovation
Tornado Specifications: Height: 30 m; Ramp Length: 550 m; Cladding Area: 4,000 sqm Polished Stainless Steel
Principal Partners in Charge: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano
Image Courtesy: stirworld.com
