On 21 November 2004 the Jewish Historical Museum opened
two new permanent exhibitions: on Jewish religion and tradition,
and on the History of the Jews in the Netherlands, 1600-1890. At
the same time the JHM launched a new house style and a new website
www.jhm.nl.
In these displays the museum has attempted to meet the expectations
of today's public and match contemporary standards of museum
presentation. A less distant approach has been taken, and emphasis
has been placed on the character of the building. The visitor is
once again struck by the synagogue's architecture. Its many
beautiful windows, previously hidden behind numerous panels, are
now visible, for example. The front porch, the Great Synagogue's
original entrance, is again accessible. During the day, passers-by
can look into the synagogue through a glass wall.
On the ground floor of the Great Synagogue, the presentation
features Jewish traditions and customs. The exhibition is based on
the synagogue's original interior. Visitors are soon aware of the
remarkable nature of the place in which they find themselves and
experience the synagogue's atmosphere. Ceremonial objects are
displayed where they would have been used in the synagogue. Superb
Torah mantles and finials from the museum collection, for example,
are shown in the niche of the now restored Ark. Key events in
Jewish life, as well as some annual Jewish festivals and Shabbat
are featured. Besides historic film and audio recordings, many new
films are also shown reflecting the diversity of modern
Judaism.
The new presentation on the Great Synagogue galleries provides a
chronological survey of the history of the Jews in the Netherlands
between 1600 and 1890. The exhibition focuses on various
milestones, such as rise of Amsterdam's Jewish quarter and the
attainment of civic equality in 1796. The stories about the arrival
of Jewish migrants, their more or less successful attempts at
integration, cultural exchanges with non-Jewish compatriots and the
struggle to retain their identity clearly resonate with
contemporary situations and debates.
New presentations were designed by DJO Donald Janssen
Ontwerpers.
Graphic design was by M/V LEVIEVANDERMEER.
For further information and/or visuals please contact the
Communications Department:
T +31 (0)20 5 310 370
F +31 (0)20 5 310 311
E Communications
Department