In a striking fusion of art and architecture, the Fenix Museum in Rotterdam, Netherlands, has been crowned with a monumental spiral staircase aptly named ‘Tornado.’ Designed by the renowned Chinese studio MAD, this sculptural masterpiece marks the completion of the museum’s construction and serves as a dramatic centrepiece for the institution dedicated to stories of migration.
Rising 30 m through a repurposed warehouse, the Tornado Staircase is a marvel of engineering and design. Clad in 297 highly polished stainless-steel panels, it creates a gleaming vortex that captures and reflects light, transforming the museum’s rooftop into a dynamic visual spectacle. The staircase’s canopy, fabricated in Groningen, was transported by boat to Rotterdam before being carefully craned into place, highlighting the project’s logistical complexity.
The Tornado is a powerful symbol of the unexpected journeys undertaken by migrants. MAD founder Ma Yansong emphasised the importance of creating a dialogue between the new structure and the building’s historical significance.
Complementing the Tornado is an existing 550 m long, double-helix wooden staircase within the museum. Together, these staircases guide visitors through the building, connecting the past with the future and leading to a panoramic viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of Rotterdam’s harbour and cityscape.
The Fenix Museum, set to open in 2025, is poised to become the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to stories of migration. This unique focus, combined with MAD’s innovative design, positions the museum as a significant cultural landmark in Rotterdam.
The Tornado Staircase and the Fenix Museum represent the latest in a series of high-profile projects from MAD. As the Fenix Museum prepares to open its doors, the Tornado exemplifies the power of architecture to evoke emotion, tell stories, and create unforgettable experiences. This steel spiral reaching towards the sky serves as a fitting tribute to the countless journeys of migrants.
