ROTTERDAM, the Netherlands, May 16 (Xinhua) -- The Fenix Museum, a new cultural institution devoted entirely to the theme of migration, officially opened its doors to the public on Friday in Rotterdam. It claims to be the world's first museum solely focused on migration.
Housed in a restored historic warehouse along Rotterdam's waterfront, the museum is situated on a site once teeming with departure docks. From here, more than 3 million people embarked on transatlantic journeys to destinations such as the United States and Canada in the late 19th and early 20th centuries - among them notable figures including Albert Einstein, according to museum archives.
At the center of the museum stands the Tornado, a striking 30-meter-high spiraling structure designed by Chinese architect Ma Yansong and his firm, MAD Architects.
"Movement is the key for this museum," Ma told Xinhua in an interview. "It's all about humans traveling to different places in different times."
"I almost consider this (the Tornado) as a journey for everyone," he added. "You start to take this stair... at some point, you run into a stranger. It becomes a social space, a place to bring people together."
Hanneke Mantel, head of exhibitions and collections at Fenix, described the Tornado as a dynamic architectural element that winds its way upward from the ground floor, threading through the museum's various levels before culminating in a panoramic platform with sweeping views of the Rotterdam skyline.
"The Tornado is a metaphor for a journey... with unexpected twists and turns. You might see yourself in reflection. And at the top, you arrive at your destination and you see the city," Mantel explained.
Inside, the museum presents a rich collection of historical artifacts, multimedia installations, and deeply personal stories shared by Rotterdam residents with migrant backgrounds, offering an intimate exploration of human movement across borders. ■