Billed as the world’s first major museum dedicated entirely to the global experience of migration, the brand new FENIX museum brings a whole new dimension to Rotterdam’s cultural scene.
(Photo: Iwan Baan)
Background
FENIX has been a long time coming. The idea first took shape in 2015, thanks to the Droom en Daad Foundation – a cultural-minded organisation whose vision was to create a museum that told the universal (and often deeply emotional) story of human migration. They found the perfect spot for it, too – a century-old warehouse on Rotterdam’s harbour that once saw millions of hopeful souls set sail for the Americas. Fast forward ten years, and that old warehouse has had quite the transformation. Designed by MAD Architects – their first public cultural project in Europe – FENIX finally opened its doors in May 2025, packed to the rafters with stories that connect us all.
What’s inside?
Raw, personal and powerfully human, FENIX’s huge collection of exhibits and artefacts are made to tug at the heart strings. Visitors can wander through a maze of 2,000 ‘suitcases’, each holding a true-life migration tale. There’s immersive art, photography and films that transport you into the shoes of those who left everything behind. One minute you’re standing in someone’s childhood kitchen, the next you’re staring out at an imagined horizon. But perhaps the museum’s most eye-catching feature is the much talked-about Tornado – a jaw-dropping spiral staircase that’s part spectacle, part sculpture.
Efrat Zehavi, Where Are We Going, 2020-2022, Collection Fenix (Photo: ©TITIA HAHNE)
Visitor experience
Overall, FENIX pulls off the neat trick of being thought-provoking without feeling overwhelming. The layout is easy to follow, with a natural flow that guides you through the stories at a slow pace and you never feel rushed. The building itself is spacious and full of light, so even on a busy day it doesn’t feel cramped. There’s a shop near the exit stacked with beautiful books, gifts and suitcase-themed souvenirs. And if you need a break for refreshments or just to reflect on everything you’ve seen, the on-site café serves up wide range of sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
(Photo: FENIX)
Practical info
FENIX is open from 10am on Wednesdays, Fridays to Sundays, and Tuesdays, with extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays. It’s closed on Mondays.
Tickets start at €15 for adults, with discounts for students and visitors under 25. Kids under 18 get in free. You can buy tickets at the door, but the museum can get busy, so to avoid disappointment, it’s best to book online in advance.
There are both public and private tours available.