Key Takeaways
- Rotterdam is set to open the world’s first museum entirely dedicated to art and migration.
- The “Fenix” museum will serve as a cultural hub, located in a historic site connected to migration.
- Its exhibitions will explore the complexities of migration using art as a universal language.
- Backed by prominent foundations and architects, the project emphasizes its global cultural importance.
Rotterdam, a city with a legacy as one of the world’s busiest ports, has long served as a crossroads of cultures, goods, and ideas. Its maritime history is intertwined with stories of exploration, trade, and migration that have shaped not only the city itself but also the modern world. This vibrant backdrop makes it a fitting location for a bold cultural initiative that bridges the past and the future.
In 2025, the “Fenix” museum will open its doors as the first institution of its kind, entirely dedicated to migration as seen through the lens of art. Migration is not just a historical phenomenon; it is an ongoing narrative of humanity’s resilience, innovation, and interconnectedness. The “Fenix” museum will offer visitors a chance to engage with these themes in a way that is both deeply personal and universally relevant.
Located within the historic docks of the Holland America Line, the museum is steeped in significance. These docks once served as a gateway for millions of migrants who embarked on life-altering journeys to new continents. For some, it was a passage to hope and opportunity; for others, a flight from conflict and hardship. By repurposing this 16,000-square-meter warehouse into a cultural space, the “Fenix” project transforms a historical site into a living, breathing monument to the human spirit.
Yet, the museum is more than a tribute to history. It positions itself as a platform for critical dialogue about migration in contemporary society. By presenting migration through the universal language of art, “Fenix” aims to challenge preconceptions, foster empathy, and inspire conversations about belonging, identity, and coexistence in an increasingly globalized world.
This unique fusion of historical gravity and modern artistic vision ensures that “Fenix” will not only honor the stories of the past but also illuminate the pressing issues of our time. In doing so, Rotterdam cements its place as a leader in cultural innovation and as a city unafraid to tackle complex, essential questions about humanity’s shared journey
Migration as Art of Transformation
The museum’s chosen site, a sprawling 16,000-square-meter warehouse, carries a deep historical resonance that makes it an ideal home for a museum about migration. Situated in the heart of Rotterdam’s harbor, this building once served as a key point of departure for millions of people seeking new lives overseas during the 19th and 20th centuries. These docks were more than just a logistical hub; they were a place of emotional farewells and hopeful beginnings, a crossroads of cultures and ambitions. Generations of families boarded ships here, carrying dreams of prosperity and survival, setting the stage for a legacy of transformation that continues to shape global societies today.
Now, this site is undergoing a remarkable rebirth. Thanks to the meticulous restoration led by MAD Architects, under the direction of the visionary Ma Yansong, the warehouse is being adapted for modern use while honoring its profound history. The architectural approach is both respectful and innovative, blending the industrial character of the original structure with sleek, contemporary additions. The result is a dynamic space that bridges past and present, where visitors can reflect on the warehouse’s historical significance while engaging with cutting-edge art and design.
The exhibitions planned for Fenix are as ambitious as the space itself. The inaugural exhibition, “All Directions: Art That Moves You,” will feature an impressive array of 150 works by internationally acclaimed artists like Francis Alÿs, Cornelia Parker, and Do Ho Suh. These works explore themes of movement, displacement, and the human drive to seek connection and opportunity. The exhibition invites visitors to consider how art not only reflects but also influences our understanding of migration.
Another cornerstone of the museum’s opening is “The Family of Migrants,” an expansive photographic exhibition inspired by Edward Steichen’s iconic “The Family of Man.” With 194 images, this exhibition will trace the universal experiences of migration—departure, journey, and arrival—through the lens of diverse individuals and communities across time. Each photograph tells a story of courage, loss, and renewal, emphasizing the shared humanity that transcends borders. By drawing parallels between historical and contemporary migration experiences, the exhibition fosters a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human lives.
Together, these exhibitions transform Fenix into more than just a museum. It becomes a living narrative, a space where personal and collective histories converge. By situating these stories in a site so intrinsically linked to migration, Fenix offers a deeply immersive experience that encourages visitors to reflect on the impact of migration on their own lives and the world at large.
Cultural Diplomacy and a Global Perspective
“Fenix” is more than a museum; it is a living narrative of humanity’s perpetual movement. As director Anne Kremers eloquently describes, it is a space where “stories of arrivals and departures” are intricately woven together, connecting local communities in Rotterdam to a broader, global audience. Through its exhibitions and programs, “Fenix” seeks to transcend borders—physical, cultural, and emotional—by spotlighting the ways in which migration has shaped not only individual destinies but the collective history of civilizations. It is a poignant reminder that migration is not a temporary phenomenon but a fundamental thread in the human experience.
In today’s world, where migration often sparks polarizing debates, “Fenix” offers a much-needed counterbalance: a space for reflection, understanding, and dialogue. The museum reframes migration not as a crisis but as a dynamic process that enriches societies. By emphasizing cultural exchange and shared human values, “Fenix” invites visitors to see migration as a source of creativity, resilience, and collaboration. Its mission is not only to educate but to inspire empathy and recognition of our interconnectedness.
The significance of this project is further underscored by the generous funding and unwavering support from the Droom en Daad Foundation. Established to champion cultural and social projects with transformative potential, the foundation’s involvement elevates “Fenix” from a local initiative to a global cultural landmark. This partnership ensures that the museum is equipped with world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge exhibition design, and programs that resonate with a diverse audience. It is a testament to the belief that art and history, when thoughtfully curated, can act as powerful tools for societal change.
More than just a venue for exhibitions, “Fenix” promises to be a hub of intellectual and cultural exchange. Scholars, artists, and community leaders are expected to convene here, using the museum as a platform to explore and address the challenges and opportunities of migration in the modern era. Its presence in Rotterdam—a city with a rich history of migration—underscores the transformative power of cities as crossroads of humanity.
Opening on May 16, 2025, “Fenix” aspires to be a beacon of hope and unity. Its vision is ambitious yet deeply human: to foster a global dialogue about migration that is informed by the past, rooted in the present, and hopeful for the future. By celebrating the resilience and creativity of those who move across borders, the museum reminds us that our shared humanity is the ultimate bond.
In the coming years, “Fenix” is expected to draw not only tourists but also students, researchers, and citizens curious to explore the universal themes of identity, belonging, and transformation. Its exhibitions, programs, and architectural design will serve as a shining example of how art and history can bridge divides, spark conversations, and unite people across the world.
