Rotterdam has unveiled the Fenix Museum, a new art institution dedicated to migration, located near the historic dock where Albert Einstein departed Europe for the U.S. The museum, designed by Chinese architect Ma Yansong, is the centerpiece of a regeneration project in the Katendrecht neighborhood, formerly known for its red-light district and Europe's largest Chinatown. The Fenix Museum aims to enrich public understanding of migration through its exhibitions and cultural events. "We just want to enrich the view that people have about migration," said Esmee Köhler, a museum representative. The museum's opening comes at a time when Europe is experiencing hardening rhetoric against immigration, making its mission particularly timely.
The Fenix Museum opened with three exhibitions, including "Suitcase Labyrinth," featuring 2,000 suitcases that tell personal stories of people from around the world. In addition to exhibitions, the museum boasts a vast indoor city square, or 'Plein,' on the ground floor, serving as a space for connection and cultural events curated by Rotterdam's diverse communities throughout the year. "We want everyone to feel welcome," said Anne Kremers, the museum's director. The museum's opening is a significant cultural event for Rotterdam, reflecting the city's commitment to embracing its diverse history and fostering a more inclusive future.