The FENIX Migration Museum, designed by MAD Architects, will open in 2025 at Rotterdam City Harbour. Currently under construction, the museum is dedicated to exploring the global narrative of migration through art, architecture, photography and history. Located in a 16,000-square-foot warehouse built in 1923 that was once part of the world’s largest warehouse, the building is historically significant as a key storage and shipping center for Holland America Line. New construction photos show a metal wheel assembly called “Tornado” taking shape on top of the historic warehouse.
The project began in 2020 with the release of initial design images. In collaboration with Bureau Polderman, MAD Architects will transform the historic warehouse, which was a key player in the migration journeys of millions in the 19th and 20th centuries. The first floor of the museum will house three key structures, each of which reflects the theme of human migration.
“Maz” is a sculpture made of 2,000 donated suitcases, a symbol of personal belongings of migrants. The Immigrant Family exhibit will feature documentary-style images and portraits that reflect themes of love, loss, and the perilous nature of immigrant journeys. Additionally, the 2,275 square meter flexible space will facilitate innovative curatorial approaches for future exhibitions.
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The tornado, which is the main architectural feature of the museum, is already rising from the base of the building and spinning upwards, symbolizing the turbulent journeys of the immigrants. This organic structure serves as both a visual centerpiece and an elevated viewing platform that offers views of the Meuse River and the cityscape, including the iconic New York Hotel. This project combines past narratives of migration, many of which are connected to this former warehouse, with the current and future challenges of current global migration.
The FENIX story is from Rotterdam. And the story of that world is one of coming and going and constant change to face the future. In its new home, FENIX will inspire a deep new curiosity about the world we live in. — Ann Kremers, Director of FENIX
FENIX reimagines the museum experience using art, architecture, photography and history to tell the universal story of migration in an ever-evolving world. The museum has spacious gallery spaces on two floors, showcasing FENIX’s growing collection alongside works by emerging international artists. The collection already includes pieces by renowned artists such as Francis Alyas, Sophie Calle, Shilpa Gupta, Steve McQueen and Bill Viola, each addressing immigration through a contemporary perspective.
In other related news, MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, is designing Tencent’s new LOT 04 East headquarters in Shenzhen, which features two biomorphic office towers, three interconnected structures, and a rain-shaped building. In addition, the Hainan Science Museum, designed by Ma Yansong / MAD Architects, is in its construction stages. Finally, Ma Yansong/MAD Architects unveiled their design for the Cloud 9 Sports Center, a 6,000 square meter sports complex in Shijiazhuang, China.
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