Fenix, Rotterdam's Art Museum of Migration, Is Now Open
Designed by MAD Architects.
Summary
- Rotterdam opens the doors to Fenix, a new museum showcasing contemporary art about migration.
- The institution debuts with three exhibition which explore migration through painting, installation, sculpture and photography.
- Designed by MAD Architects, the museum transforms a restored 16,000-square-meter warehouse into a creative arena of international dialogue.
The long-anticipated reveal of Fenix Museum is here, opening its doors to a powerful exploration of migration through the lens of contemporary art. Located in the city’s harbor-side Katendrecht district, the museum breathes new life into the historic, 16,000-square-meter warehouse.
The design, helmed by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, the museum marks the first European cultural project by the Beijing-based studio. Standout architectural features include the “Tornado,” a ground-to-roof, double-helix staircase that flows onto a viewing platform with panoramic views of Rotterdam, alongside Plein, the institution’s 2,275-square-meter indoor square which will serve as a flexible space for public events and community gatherings.
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On the art front, Fenix is launching with three concurrent shows: All Directions showcase more than 150 acquisitions and newly-commissioned works from an international array of artists, spotlighting personal and familial narratives. Elsewhere, The Family of Migrants explores migration through photographic capture, presenting nearly 200 pieces from 55 countries in a blend of documentary, portraiture and photojournalist archives. Finally, The Suitcase Labyrinth features a monumental, immersive installation composed of 2,000 donated suitcases, each its own unique relic of culture and community.
“Migration stories are the heartbeat of Fenix. We’ve woven them into every element,” said museum director Anne Kremers. “We want everyone to feel welcome.”
Ambitious and ardent in its offerings across the board, Fenix gives the floor to an opulent crossroads of stories, tracing the paths of where we’ve come from and where we’re going. For more information on visiting and purchasing tickets head to the museum’s website.
