Tornado
A new perspective on Rotterdam
The Tornado is the striking centrepiece of Fenix. Made of stainless steel with two sweeping wooden staircases, it is the latest addition to the Rotterdam skyline. Designed by Ma Yansong of the Chinese firm MAD Architects, the Tornado is both a work of art and a viewing platform. Standing at the heart of the museum, it connects the ground floor, the first floor, and the rooftop viewpoint. Beyond its practical function, the staircases symbolise the central theme of Fenix: migration.
Staircases in motion
Climbing the Tornado is like embarking on a journey. How you navigate it is up to you—the staircase has two entrances from the main hall, offering multiple routes to the top. Along the way, you’ll encounter other visitors and catch glimpses of yourself reflected in 297 stainless steel panels. The path upwards is full of unexpected turns and shifting perspectives, much like the journey of a migrant, as architect Ma Yansong describes it.
Detail of the Tornado. Artist impression, MAD Architects
A 360-degree view of Rotterdam
At the top, you are greeted with a sweeping view of the historic quays that have long been a place of departures and arrivals. This is where millions of people set off in search of a new life. Ships carrying emigrants departed from these very shores to the United States and Canada. At the same time, just as many people arrived in Rotterdam, shaping the city into what it is today. While the Tornado’s design feels futuristic, its foundation is firmly rooted in the century-old warehouse and the deep history of the surrounding area.
From the Tornado, Fenix offers visitors a new perspective on Rotterdam. Want to see it for yourself? Book your ticket here.
“The Tornado is a metaphor for the journeys of migrants”
