【Book Description】
Throughout human history, migration has been one of the most powerful forces shaping civilizations. Whether driven by the pursuit of a better life, the need to escape war and poverty, or the hope of realizing new dreams and opportunities, countless personal stories have been defined by journeys of departure, movement, and arrival. In an era of increasing globalization and human mobility, how can we better understand migration as a shared human experience?
FENIX explores the story behind the new migration museum opening in Rotterdam in 2025, presenting an ambitious cultural institution that brings together architecture, art, photography, and history. Located in Rotterdam’s historic port district along the River Maas, the museum occupies a former warehouse built in 1923. Once a key facility of the Holland-America Line, the site served as a gateway for millions of migrants who departed from or arrived at the surrounding docks during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, embarking on life-changing journeys across the world.
The building’s transformation was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Ma Yansong and his practice, MAD Architects. At the heart of the project is the spectacular “Tornado,” a dramatic spiraling structure that rises through the building and extends onto a rooftop observation platform. Evoking a powerful upward current of air, it has become a striking new landmark for Rotterdam and a symbol of the hope, courage, and transformation experienced by migrants around the globe.
Through a rich combination of collections, artworks, historical archives, and immersive experiences, FENIX does more than tell stories of migration. It reimagines the role of the museum in contemporary society—not merely as a place for preserving history, but as a platform where cultures, memories, and personal experiences can meet and connect. For readers interested in architecture, urban development, social history, and global culture, this book offers a compelling perspective on how design and storytelling can bridge the past and the future.
【Book Details】
Authors: Anne Kremers (Contributor), Ma Yansong (Contributor), András Szántó (Contributor)
Publisher: Skira Editore
Publication Year: 2025
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 240
Dimensions: 28 × 24 cm