The FENIX Migration Museum, designed by MAD Architects, is scheduled to open in Rotterdam’s city harbor in 2025. The museum, currently under construction, is expected to explore the global narrative of migration through art, architecture, photography and history. Housed in a 16,000-square-foot warehouse built in 1923, once part of the largest warehouse in the world, the building has historical significance as a key warehousing and shipping center for Holland America Line. New construction photos show a set of metal spirals called the Tornado taking shape above the historic warehouse.
The project began in 2020 with the release of initial design images. In collaboration with the Polderman office, MAD Architects is transforming a historic warehouse that was a key player in the migration journeys of millions in the 19th and 20th centuries. The ground floor of the museum will feature three key installations, each reflecting the theme of human migration.
The “Labyrinth”, a monumental work made of 2,000 donated suitcases, symbolizes the migrants’ personal belongings. The “Migrant Family” photography exhibition will feature documentary-style images and portraits covering themes of love, loss and the dangerous nature of migrant journeys. In addition, the 2,275 square meter flexible space will encourage innovative curatorial approaches for future exhibitions.
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The tornado, the main architectural element of the museum, is already rising from the base of the building, spiraling up and symbolizing the turbulent journeys of migrants. This organic structure serves as a visual centerpiece and an elevated viewing platform offering views of the Maas River and the surrounding cityscape, including the iconic New York Hotel. This design brings together past narratives of migration, many of which are inextricably linked to this former warehouse, and the current and future challenges of ongoing global migration.
FENIX’s story is Rotterdam’s. And its story is universal: a story of comings and goings and constant changes to face the future. In its famous new home, FENIX will inspire a profound new curiosity about the world we live in. — Anne Kremers, director of FENIX
FENIX reinvents the museum experience using art, architecture, photography and history to tell the universal story of migration in an ever-evolving world. The museum will feature extensive gallery spaces spread over two floors, showcasing FENIX’s growing collection alongside works by emerging international artists. The collection already includes works by renowned artists such as Francis Alÿs, Sophie Calle, Shilpa Gupta, Steve McQueen and Bill Viola, each of whom looks at migration through contemporary perspectives.
In other related news, Ma Yansong-led MAD Architects is planning LOT 04 east of Tencent’s new headquarters in Shenzhen, which includes two biomorphic office towers, three interconnected structures and a raindrop-shaped building. Additionally, the Hainan Science Museum, designed by Ma Yansong / MAD Architects, is progressing through construction phases. Finally, Ma Yansong/MAD Architects has revealed its design for the Cloud 9 Sports Center, a 6,000 square meter athletic complex in Shijiazhuang, China.
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