Fenix in Rotterdam’s Katendrecht district explores migration through art, personal stories, and history, all within a landmark harbour warehouse. The museum invites visitors to reflect on journeys of movement and belonging from Rotterdam and beyond.

Exploring migration at Fenix

Fenix (Fenixloods) in Rotterdam is a museum dedicated to the theme of migration. Through contemporary art, historical artefacts, personal narratives, and interactive installations, the museum examines the many ways people move, settle, and shape new lives. Its exhibitions bring together works by artists from across the world, demonstrating that migration is a constant part of human experience.

One of the museum’s notable features is the Suitcase Labyrinth, constructed from more than two thousand vintage suitcases donated by individuals worldwide. As visitors wander through the maze, they encounter audio stories and personal reflections from suitcase owners, each piece representing a turning point or journey. This installation connects Rotterdam’s long history as a port city to stories of migration from many regions and eras.

Fenix also presents exhibitions such as All Directions: Art That Moves You and The Family of Migrants, which draw on photography, sculpture, and documentary projects to reflect on themes of identity, displacement, and belonging. In addition to the main galleries, the museum offers a large indoor plaza (plein) for community events and cultural gatherings, inviting local residents and visitors to share their own stories.

Museum director Anne Kremers describes Fenix as “a place that gives space to the stories and experiences of people who move – whether by choice or necessity – and helps make migration a subject of dialogue in Rotterdam and beyond.”

The Suitcase Labyrinth at Fenix museum Rotterdam. Photo credit: Iwan Baan

The history of the Fenix warehouse and Katendrecht

The museum is housed in the historic Fenixloods (“Fenix warehouse”), a large industrial building on the Katendrecht peninsula. Katendrecht is known for its layered past as a harbour neighbourhood and entry point for countless arrivals and departures.

The original Fenix warehouse was completed in 1923 as one of the world’s largest storage facilities for port activities. At the time, the area served as a major gateway for emigrants leaving for North and South America, with the nearby Holland-Amerika Lijn building (Hotel New York) serving as a well-known point of departure. The quay also became a first stop for many newcomers, including seafarers, dockworkers, and Rotterdam’s Chinese community, which established one of the oldest Chinatowns in Europe in this district.

During the Second World War, the warehouse suffered significant damage from bombing and fire. It was later rebuilt as two separate structures, named Fenix I and Fenix II, after the mythical phoenix (“fenix” in Dutch) that rises from its ashes—a nod to both Rotterdam’s and the building’s resilience. For decades, the warehouse continued to serve Rotterdam’s commercial port before being repurposed for cultural and culinary initiatives in recent years.

Fenix Warehouse. Photo credit: Rotterdam City Archives

Architecture and transformation

The architectural transformation of the Fenixloods has been led by both Dutch and international designers. The renovation preserved much of the original warehouse structure while adding a dramatic new feature: a twisting stainless steel staircase known as the Tornado, designed by MAD Architects. The Tornado rises through the building and leads to a rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the Rijnhaven and Rotterdam skyline.

The design deliberately contrasts the industrial history of the warehouse with contemporary elements, highlighting movement and transformation—fitting for a museum focused on migration. The restored warehouse retains its robust columns and harbour façades, while the modern atrium and public plaza create open spaces for exhibitions, dialogue, and community events.

Fenix museum Rotterdam's Tornado staircase. Photo credit: Iwan Baan

From vision to museum

The idea for a migration museum in Rotterdam emerged through the efforts of the Droom en Daad (Dream and Deed) Foundation, a local philanthropic organisation. Drawing on Rotterdam’s heritage as a city of arrivals and departures, the foundation worked with city partners and architects to realise a museum where stories of migration are collected, presented, and discussed. The Fenix warehouse was selected for its powerful connection to the city’s port history and its role in countless journeys. The development and renovation process brought together heritage, architecture, and public engagement, ensuring the museum would serve both residents and visitors for generations.

The Family of Migrants overview, Fenix Rotterdam. Photo credit: Iwan Baan

Directions and visiting Fenix

Fenix is located on the Katendrecht peninsula, along the southern bank of the Maas. The address is Paul Nijghkade 5, in the Fenix II warehouse beside Rijnhaven. The museum can be reached on foot from the Rijnhaven metro station, or by water taxi and pedestrian bridges from Wilhelminapier and Hotel New York. The area is also home to restaurants, cafés, and cultural sites, making it a vibrant part of Rotterdam to explore.

What makes the Markthal in Rotterdam more than just a market? How does this architectural gem intertwine the past, present, and future of urban living? Discover the answers as we explore its iconic design, vibrant functionality, and historical significance.

A multifunctional landmark in Rotterdam

The Markthal in Rotterdam is much more than a striking building. It stands as a living testament to the ingenuity of modern architecture while serving as a hub of culture, commerce, and history. Designed by the Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, the Markthal opened on 1 October 2014 and quickly became one of the city’s defining landmarks. Its unique horseshoe shape frames a space where residents live above a thriving marketplace, a literal embodiment of blending life with commerce. As a city renowned for rebuilding itself after the devastation of World War II, Rotterdam’s commitment to innovation and culture shines brightly in the Markthal’s gleaming façade and bustling interior.

From the outside, its sleek grey stone and towering glass façades invite curiosity, while its inner world dazzles visitors with the larger-than-life artwork that adorns its ceiling. Yet, this is no mere feat of aesthetic design. Within its curves lies a carefully planned fusion of residential apartments, retail outlets, food stalls, and restaurants, all brought together to create a place that is both functional and inspiring. Whether you visit to admire its architecture, enjoy its culinary offerings, or discover its historical treasures, the Markthal invites exploration from every angle.

Markthal Rotterdam. Photo credit: Adrienne Wildeman

Architectural details of the Markthal’s design and structure

At first glance, the Markthal’s architecture is unforgettable. Its horseshoe design arches to a height of 40 metres and stretches 120 metres long, creating an imposing but elegant silhouette. This isn’t a structure that hides in the background; it announces itself confidently among Rotterdam’s other bold architectural statements, such as the Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge. Two immense glass façades bookend the horseshoe, measuring 42 by 34 metres each, and are crafted from steel cables suspending hundreds of smaller windows. These façades flood the interior with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The grey natural stone that clads the building’s exterior ensures it blends seamlessly with the city’s modern aesthetic. But it’s the glass that steals the show, offering a glimpse into the vibrant life within. When illuminated at night, the building transforms into a glowing beacon, inviting visitors to step inside and discover what lies beneath its magnificent arches. The glass panels also serve a practical purpose, shielding the interior from the elements while giving the space an open-air feel. The ingenuity of this design makes the Markthal an architectural marvel and a model of sustainability.

The Horn of Plenty ceiling artwork: creation and impact

The moment you step inside the Markthal, your eyes are drawn upward. Towering above the market stalls is the "Horn of Plenty" artwork, an 11,000-square-metre visual spectacle by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. This enormous digital mural is filled with larger-than-life depictions of fruits, vegetables, fish, and flowers, creating a vivid celebration of abundance. It is often called the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam for its breathtaking scale and intricate detail.

What’s truly remarkable is how this masterpiece was created. Using advanced 3D digital techniques, the artists worked with a 1.47-terabyte file—the kind of data size usually reserved for animated films. The final artwork was printed onto 4,000 perforated aluminium panels, which were then pieced together to form the colourful canopy. Beyond its beauty, the panels help absorb sound, demonstrating how art and functionality coexist within the Markthal. This ceiling isn’t just an artistic statement; it’s an immersive experience that turns a simple market visit into something extraordinary.

Markthal Rotterdam ceiling art

Features of the market hall and surrounding spaces

At its heart, the Markthal is a vibrant covered marketplace. With over 100 stalls offering everything from traditional Dutch cheeses to exotic international delicacies, it is a culinary destination that captures the diversity of Rotterdam itself. The layout is thoughtfully designed, ensuring that visitors can easily navigate between stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, and more. For those looking to sit and enjoy a meal, there are several restaurants offering views of the bustling market below.

But the Markthal doesn’t stop at food. It is also home to 4,600 square metres of retail space and a dedicated horeca (hotel, restaurant, and café) area. Above the market, 228 apartments curve along the building’s horseshoe shape, allowing residents to live literally at the centre of Rotterdam’s vibrant city life. For convenience, an underground parking garage with space for over 1,200 vehicles ensures that visitors from across the region can easily access the site.

Inside Markthal Rotterdam. Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode

Historical significance of the Markthal’s location

Beneath the gleaming exterior lies a deeper story. The site of the Markthal is rich in history, standing on the grounds of Rotterdam’s earliest settlement from the 13th century. During the construction of the building, archaeologists unearthed the remains of a 10th-century farm, revealing a glimpse of life in a village called Rotta, the precursor to modern-day Rotterdam. This discovery was a rare and valuable find, offering insights into the lives of the area’s first inhabitants.

To honour this heritage, the Markthal features an interactive exhibition called “The Time Stair.” Located within the stairwell of the parking garage, the display showcases artefacts uncovered during the excavation, such as pots, tools, and candleholders. Through touchscreens and detailed descriptions, visitors can explore the stories behind these relics. This thoughtful integration of history into a modern building ensures that the Markthal isn’t just a place of commerce but also a space for reflection and learning.

Sustainable and innovative features of the Markthal

The Markthal exemplifies sustainable urban development. By combining residential, commercial, and culinary spaces within a single structure, it maximises land use in a way that is both practical and environmentally friendly. Its central location encourages walking and the use of public transport, reducing the reliance on cars. Inside, the building incorporates energy-efficient features that enhance its environmental credentials.

Even the artwork serves a dual purpose. The perforated panels of the Horn of Plenty improve acoustics, ensuring that the market remains a pleasant space for visitors and residents alike. In the parking garage, modern amenities like electric vehicle charging stations underscore the building’s forward-thinking approach. The Markthal is not just a building; it is a blueprint for how cities can create vibrant, multi-use spaces that serve their communities sustainably.

The Markthal’s contribution to Rotterdam’s urban life

The Markthal is more than just a building; it is a microcosm of what makes Rotterdam special. From its bold architecture to its celebration of food, art, and history, it embodies the city’s spirit of innovation and resilience. It attracts millions of visitors each year, yet it remains a local treasure, cherished by residents as much as tourists.

This space invites us to imagine a future where cities are built not just to function but to inspire. As the Markthal continues to stand tall in the heart of Rotterdam, it reminds us that great architecture isn’t just about steel and stone; it’s about creating places where life happens.

Portlantis, Rotterdam's interactive port experience centre, offers visitors an engaging insight into one of the world's largest ports. Situated at Maasvlakte 2, the centre combines education and entertainment to showcase the significance of the Port of Rotterdam.

Portlantis: Rotterdam’s port experience centre

Portlantis serves as the primary visitor centre for the Port of Rotterdam, replacing the former FutureLand centre. Located near the Maasvlakte 2 beach at the end of Prinses Amaliahaven, the centre provides an educational experience that highlights the port’s crucial role in global trade, sustainability efforts, and technological innovation.

The facility offers an interactive experience designed to appeal to tourists, students, and business visitors. Through immersive exhibits, digital displays, and guided tours, guests can explore the complexity of port operations and Rotterdam’s role as a major maritime hub.

A closer look at the Portlantis experience

Portlantis features a range of interactive exhibits designed to make complex logistics and port activities accessible to visitors of all ages. Digital displays, models, and audiovisual installations illustrate key themes such as shipping routes, energy transitions, and environmental sustainability.

The experience is structured to engage multiple audiences:

• For families and tourists: Interactive exhibits offer hands-on insights into container shipping, port security, and trade routes.
• For students and educators: The Educational Information Centre Mainport Rotterdam (EIC) hosts educational programmes for schools, showcasing maritime career opportunities and the port's economic significance.
• For business professionals: Portlantis offers conference facilities and meeting rooms for industry gatherings, presentations, and networking events.

Image: Portlantis Rotterdam | Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode

Architectural design and features

Portlantis was designed by Rotterdam-based architectural firm MVRDV, known for projects such as De Markthal and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. The building’s striking design reflects both Rotterdam’s maritime identity and its innovative architectural spirit.

The five-storey structure is defined by a series of rotated exhibition spaces stacked in a way that offers distinct perspectives of the surrounding landscape. Each level faces a different view — from the Maasvlakte dunes to the North Sea and the industrial skyline — giving visitors a dynamic visual experience.

A standout feature is the crimson-red public route, a bold staircase that spirals around the building, leading visitors to a rooftop platform that offers panoramic views of the bustling port.

Inside, the 22-metre-high central atrium acts as an exhibition space, featuring a mirrored ceiling that amplifies the feeling of height. A kinetic sculpture suspended from the ceiling serves as the atrium’s centrepiece, reinforcing the dynamic nature of the space.

Sustainability in design

Portlantis was designed with sustainability in mind. The building is demountable, allowing for future reuse if needed. It features energy-efficient systems and on-site renewable energy generation, producing 30% more energy than it consumes thanks to an integrated wind turbine. These eco-conscious features align with the Port of Rotterdam’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Image: Portlantis Rotterdam | Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode

Educational focus and outreach

Portlantis is home to the Educational Information Centre Mainport Rotterdam (EIC), which plays a vital role in educating young people about the port’s operations. School groups can participate in workshops, guided tours, and interactive learning sessions designed to highlight career opportunities in maritime industries.

The centre collaborates with educational institutions and industry partners to foster interest in fields such as logistics, engineering, and sustainable development.

Visiting Portlantis

Portlantis is open to the public throughout the year, with options for guided tours, educational programmes, and self-paced visits. The location near Maasvlakte 2 beach makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the western edge of Rotterdam’s port area.

Aftermovies National Fireworks at Erasmus bridge in Rotterdam