Sydney Jewish Museum expansion gets the green light
The Sydney Jewish Museum has received approval from the City of Sydney Council for its major capital works project which will extensively enlarge its space.
The expansion will create a hub for Jewish culture in Sydney while ensuring more people have access to important educational programs that teach Holocaust history and promote empathy.
It will work to double the visitation and impact of the museum, from around 55,000 to 100,000 visitors a year by 2032, with state-of-the-art, tech-enabled facilities, expanded galleries, and enhanced educational spaces.
Design company Architectus also brings a unique perspective to the project, boasting several descendants of Holocaust survivors among its team who will contribute directly to the museum’s transformation.
The team engaged closely with the City of Sydney to work through a range of sensitive design and heritage issues to address the repositioning of the existing buildings on the site on Victoria Street, Darlinghurst. The existing Holocaust museum will be retained and a new museum of contemporary Jewish life will be constructed adjacent to it.
Today’s announcement follows a successful fundraising campaign, securing $30 million from generous community donations and the State Government of NSW. This support underscores the shared commitment to preserving Holocaust history and promoting tolerance and social cohesion through educational initiatives.
Sydney Jewish Museum President Greg Shand said: “With the deeply concerning rise in antisemitism and other forms of racial intolerance occurring right now across Australia and the world, it is clear that there’s an urgent need to strengthen education about the Holocaust and the dangers that racism and discrimination pose to Australian society. The expanded museum will offer crucial education for people of all ages about the dangers of antisemitism, racism and intolerance and the importance of humanity, peace and kindness. The central role of Israel as part of Jewish life will also be addressed as part of our exhibits.”
Kevin Sumption is the CEO of the Sydney Jewish Museum. He said: “I am delighted that we have planning approval to commence such a critically important expansion project. Cultural understanding and historical remembrance are essential pillars of a compassionate society.
The expansion of the Museum reaffirms our commitment to educating future generations about the lessons of the past, fostering empathy, and promoting a world where tolerance and diversity thrive.”
Construction will begin later this year with completion sometime in 027.
