In 2025, Fenix will open in Rotterdam, the very first museum in the world that presents migration through contemporary art. So we have to wait a little longer for the official opening. But during Open Monument Day you will get a glimpse into the beautifully restored harbour shed. Read on!
During Open Monument Day, Rotterdam's monuments open their doors to the public. On Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September you are cordially invited to take a free look at the city's most beautiful historic buildings. With a varied programme for young and old, and everyone in between, there is something to see and experience for everyone!
FENIX opens the construction site for the third and final time during Open Monument Day. This is the perfect opportunity to view the currently empty building before FENIX opens in the spring of 2025.
During your visit you will discover how the historic warehouse on Katendrecht has been completely restored and continues to transform into a museum. A special route has been mapped out, with which you can visit FENIX independently. In the heart of the warehouse, extensive construction is underway on the 'Tornado'. For example, the outside of the double-turned staircase is now almost completely fitted with stainless steel panels and a wavy glass roof is being installed. The stairs cannot yet be climbed, but can be viewed up close.
During the route you will be treated to a spectacular view of the Rotterdam skyline. The FENIX team is ready at various places in the building to tell you more about the restoration, the history of the warehouse and the purpose of the museum.
The historic warehouse dates from 1923 and was originally the largest storage and transhipment warehouse in Europe. The warehouse was severely damaged during and after the war. In 1950, the building was partially rebuilt and split into two separate buildings: Fenixloods I and II.
Since 2020, Fenixloods II has been restored at the initiative of Droom en Daad. The building was completely restored in four years. For example, the concrete has been cleaned and repaired and doors and frames have been painted in the original green colour. In addition, in collaboration with Bureau Polderman, the quiet rhythm of windows, concrete columns and facades has been restored. In this way it will be preserved as a striking example of Rotterdam port architecture.
FENIX is the first in the world to talk about the many faces of migration with an international art collection. On a museum surface of 16,000 square metres, FENIX will soon offer two monumental installations in addition to the changing international art collection: a suitcase maze and the Family of Migrants photo exhibition. Plein, a covered, lively city square for everyone, will be located on the ground floor. The eye-catcher and largest work of art is the Tornado, an architectural masterpiece by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects that swirls up from the building.
