Fenix, a new art museum dedicated to migration just opened in Rotterdam, and it features an impressive work of art that attracts all eyes: The Tornado. Everyone talks about it, and for good reason.

The Tornado, designed by Chinese architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, it’s a striking double-helix staircase spiralling up to the rooftop. From there, visitors can enjoy the fresh air and sweeping views of the river, the docks, and the surrounding landscape.

It symbolises the winding paths we take through life – full of twists, turns, and unexpected outcomes. The structure starts at the ground floor of the museum, welcoming you right from the entrance, and rises to a height of 30 metres. It’s clad in 297 stainless-steel panels that were made in Groningen (each panel took over 100 hours of polishing).

The canopy that sits at the top of the structure is 17m in length and was transported by boat from Groningen to Rotterdam in pieces before being assembled and lifted into place. Inside the Tornado is a 550m long double-helix wooden staircase which emerges onto the platform, which can also be accessed via a central lift shaft. 

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