The building
Fenixloods II: a building with a story
Fenix is housed in a historic harbour warehouse dating back to 1923. Once the world’s largest transshipment warehouse, it was designed by architect Cornelis van Goor and built for the Holland-America Line. Back then, it was known as the San Francisco Warehouse, stretching 360 metres along the quay. Over the years, the warehouse has been restored and transformed into a museum. At its heart, architect Ma Yansong added the Tornado: a double-helix staircase that spirals skyward to a viewing platform above the roof.
A storied history
During World War II, German troops destroyed parts of the quays, severely damaging the warehouse. In 1948, a fire devastated part of the building. But like the mythical phoenix, the warehouse rose from the ashes. It was rebuilt as two separate structures, later named Fenixloods I and Fenixloods II.
A ship docked at San Francisco Warehouse, 1925. Collection Stadsarchief Rotterdam
A place of arrival and departure
From Fenix, you look out over the quays where millions of people once embarked on journeys across the ocean. Just as many arrived in Katendrecht and Rotterdam, seeking a new home. This history inspired Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, who became the first Chinese architect to design a museum in Europe.
He created a futuristic addition to the century-old warehouse: the Tornado, both a sculpture and a viewing platform. Two staircases spiral upwards in a self-chosen route, leading visitors to a panoramic deck above the roof. With its fluid, swirling form, the Tornado appears to be in motion—an echo of the movement and stories of the quays below, where the lives of millions took a new turn.
The farewell of departing emigrants by ship at the Wilhelminapier, Rotterdam, 1947. Sem Presser, MIA
Restored for the ages
Over the years, the warehouse has served many functions and undergone various renovations. Elements from different periods were added to fit the evolving needs of the space. Following the advice of Bureau Polderman, the historic warehouse has been carefully restored. Window frames and façades were returned to their original green, while the calm rhythm of the original design—characterised by its concrete columns and distinctive windows—was reinstated.
Construction stories
Hundreds of engineers, welders, and carpenters worked together to restore and build Fenix. Behind every bolt, beam, and plank is a person with a story. Meet Asgeir, who moved from Norway to the Netherlands for love. Or discover the story of friends Alan and Remsley—where Remsley longs for his days as a fisherman in Curaçao, Alan has found his new home in Rotterdam.
