Fenix

Current exhibitions

About the museum

Fenix is a project of the Rotterdam foundation Droom en Daad, which has supported art and culture in the city since 2016. The museum opened in May 2025 and tells the story of migration as a timeless, deeply human theme through the eyes of artists.

It is housed in Fenixloods II on the Katendrecht peninsula – part of a warehouse built in 1923 by Cornelis van Goor for the Holland-Amerika Lijn, which at the time was considered the largest transshipment shed in the world and stretched 360 meters along the quay. Badly damaged in World War II and hit by a fire in 1948, it was rebuilt as two separate buildings – hence the name, after the phoenix.

During the restoration, the facades and window frames got back their original green. In the middle of the building, Ma Yansong of MAD Architects inserted the “Tornado”: a double spiral staircase of wood and mirror-polished stainless steel leading up to a viewing platform above the roof.

Millions of emigrants set off for America from the quays in front of the building, while people from places such as China, Cape Verde, and Greece arrived here. The collection includes works by more than a hundred artists, along with a large photography exhibition, a labyrinth of more than 2,000 donated suitcases, and the Plein, a covered public square that is free to enter.

Highlights

• Tornado: walkable double spiral staircase with a viewing platform by MAD Architects
• Suitcase labyrinth with more than 2,000 suitcases and audio stories from their owners
• Photography exhibition The Family of Migrants with around 200 images
• All Directions collection, including works by Steve McQueen, Kimsooja, and Red Grooms
• A segment of the Berlin Wall and a refugee tent
• The Plein, a covered public square free to enter

Permanent exhibitions

• All Directions – The collection, with works by more than a hundred artists from around the world on home, farewell, and identity, complemented by objects such as a piece of the Berlin Wall.
• The Family of Migrants – Around 200 photos by 136 photographers from the late 19th century to today, inspired by the legendary MoMA exhibition The Family of Man.
• Suitcase Labyrinth – A path through more than 2,000 donated suitcases whose stories are told on an audio tour.

Founded

2025

Admission & discounts

The Rotterdampas, Delftpas, and ICOM card count as free tickets. The Museumkaart and VriendenLoterij VIP card are currently not accepted. All tickets have a start time and should be booked online, even with a discount card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entire building, including the Tornado platform, is accessible by elevator (car 1.20 × 2 m); doors at least 90 cm wide. Loaner wheelchairs and two rollators subject to availability, cannot be reserved. Accessible parking spaces at Veerlaan 21M (about 30 m from the entrance), in front of Veerlaan 11, and on Sumatralaan; drop-off possible on the Veerlaan side. In the suitcase labyrinth, hearing devices for the stories, which are also available in text form.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Family routes with picture cards: through All Directions for ages 4 and up (back side with questions for ages 7 and up) and through The Family of Migrants for ages 7 and up; children’s audio tour in the suitcase labyrinth for ages 9 and up. Free admission up to age 18. Strollers allowed as long as they fit in the elevator; baby changing facilities in the museum and at the Plein.

Getting there & parking

Because parking is scarce, the museum advises against arriving by car.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

O Anatolian Café & Bakery in the entrance area, espresso bar on the second floor (ticket holders only), rotating chefs at the Mooncake lunch pop-up on the Plein (Thu–Sun 11:30–15:00), Granucci Gelato in summer. The Fenix Shop is accessible without a ticket. Unattended coat check and lockers; large bags, umbrellas, and e-bike batteries are not allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

For corporate events: the atrium (only outside opening hours, in whole or in part) and the Plein (theater area for up to 50 people with AV equipment, without projection up to 100; exclusive use on Mondays). Catering by Vermaat Events. Private parties are not possible.

Plan your visit