Jewish Museum in Brussels to close for more than three years for renovation
The Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels is set to close for more than three years as it embarks on an extensive "renovation and expansion project." During this time, the museum will operate under the name "Jewish Museum In/Out."
According to a press release, the museum will undergo a significant "architectural transformation." The plans include the addition of a "belvedere," a new structure offering a panoramic view of Brussels. The building itself, which dates back to 1901, will also see internal renovations.
"The spaces are cramped, circulation is difficult, especially for people with reduced mobility, and the building does not meet the standards for the preservation of cultural goods and heritage, nor the requirements of sustainable development for a museum project," the museum explained.
The revamped museum is expected to reopen in 2028. The updated space will house both its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Additionally, the plans include a new underground multipurpose hall spanning 360 square metres, which will be suitable for conferences, concerts and receptions.
During its closure, the museum will continue its cultural mission as the "Jewish Museum In/Out" through a range of external and digital initiatives. These will include collaborations with other institutions for contemporary art exhibitions, travelling artistic performances and educational programs for schools. Moreover, the museum's collections will be made available digitally, allowing continued public access.
The Jewish Museum was originally established in 1990, thanks to the efforts of Baron Georges Schneck, and initially opened its doors on Stalingradstraat before moving to its current location on Miniemenstraat in 2002. The museum gained international attention on 24 May 2014, when a terrorist attack by Mehdi Nemmouche claimed the lives of four people. Nemmouche, a French Syria fighter, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019 for the attack.
The museum’s renovation project has been in the works for some time, with an international tender issued in 2018. Of the 28 architectural firms that responded, the project was awarded to three: Tab Architects from Ghent, Barozzi Veiga from Barcelona and Barbara Van der Wee Architects from Brussels.
The Jewish Museum in Brussels ©BELGA PHOTO ANTHONY DEHEZ
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