Fenix

14mm Samyang F2.8 at F2.8 Iso 100 Artwork and viewpoint in one 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.