On May 16 the new museum Fenix in Rotterdam opened its doors on Katendrecht. It was from the quays around this warehouse that over three million emigrants boarded ships bound for destinations such as America and Canada from the late 19th century, including notable figures such as Albert Einstein, Willem de Kooning, and Max Beckmann. The departure and arrival of people made Rotterdam the city it is today, one shaped by the more than 170 nationalities of its inhabitants.
At Fenix, you’ll experience migration through the eyes of international artists like Shilpa Gupta, Steve McQueen, Rineke Dijkstra, and Kimsooja. Or get swept away by hundreds of documentary photos in The Family of Migrants. In The Suitcase Labyrinth, you’ll hear personal stories from travellers themselves. Plein is a new covered city square inside the building, where Fenix creates the programming in collaboration with the people of Rotterdam. Craving a snack or anything? In Fenix, you’ll taste dishes that travel with people from all over the world.
Fenix overlooks the docks where millions of lives have changed over the past centuries. Some left for America or Canada by ship at the turn of the century, while others arrived from countries like China, Cape Verde, and Greece. Famous figures like Albert Einstein and artist Max Beckmann departed from Rotterdam. And who knows, perhaps your own family, too.
Here is a photographic impression of museum Fenix.