History of Jewish Museum Vienna | How Jewish Museum Vienna came into being

What is Jewish Museum Vienna?

https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/f693e17d17d086cd533ef2d9c918a2d6-Jewish%20Museum%20Vienna.jpg

The Jewish Museum Vienna is a captivating cultural institution that weaves together the rich tapestry of Jewish history and heritage. Established in 1988, the museum was skillfully crafted within the walls of the Palais Eskeles, an architectural gem of the 18th century. Builders magically transformed this magnificent space into a sanctuary of knowledge, preserving the collective memory of Austrian Jewry. Through engaging exhibitions and thought-provoking displays, the museum shares the stories of individuals whose names resound Jewish history. It stands as a testament to the resilience and contributions of the Jewish community, inviting visitors to explore their remarkable legacy.

Know More

Where is Imperial Treasury Vienna Located?

Address: Dorotheergasse 11, 1010 Wien, Austria

Find on Maps.

The Jewish Museum Vienna is located in the centre of Vienna, Austria. It is housed in the Palais Eskeles, an impressive 18th-century structure in the Dorotheergasse neighbourhood. The museum skillfully integrates the past and the present, and its setting holds great symbolism. Vienna was once a vibrant hub for a flourishing Jewish community that made notable contributions to the city's cultural and intellectual landscape.

Know More

Jewish Museum Vienna Timeline

1896: The first Jewish Museum in Vienna, the world's first of its kind, is founded by the "Society for the Collection and Preservation of Artistic and Historical Memorials of Jewry."
1913: The museum moves into the Talmud-Thora-School in Leopoldstadt, housing 3,400 objects, after relocating several times.
1938: Following the Anschluss by Nazi Germany, the museum is closed, and its contents are distributed among various repositories, including the Museum of Ethnology and the Natural History Museum.
1964: A small Jewish museum opens in the Desider-Friedmann-Hof but garners limited public attention, eventually closing for renovation in 1967.
1986: The announcement of a new Jewish museum in Vienna is made by the mayor, Helmut Zilk, with support from various organizations and individuals.
1988: The Jewish Museum Vienna is established as a limited company under the management of director Christian Cap, entrusted with the Max Berger Collection and the IKG Collection.
1993: The Palais Eskeles in Dorotheergasse is made available to the museum, leading to the opening of the museum library and subsequent renovations.
2000: The Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial is unveiled, marking the opening of the second building of the museum in Judenplatz.
2009: Danielle Spera is appointed as the new director, aiming to create a more accessible and inclusive museum experience.
2011: After a comprehensive renovation project, the museum reopens in its Dorotheergasse premises, featuring permanent exhibitions and temporary showcases.

History of Jewish Museum Vienna Explained

The Foundation

In 1896, the first Jewish Museum in Vienna was founded by the "Society for the Collection and Preservation of Artistic and Historical Memorials of Jewry," becoming the world's first museum of its kind. It aimed to showcase the culture and history of Jews in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Moving Places

By 1913, the museum had relocated several times before settling in the Talmud-Thora-School in Leopoldstadt. The new location provided ample space for its growing collection, which included 3,400 objects representing Jewish culture and heritage.

The Nazi Meddle

The year 1938 marked a tragic turn for the museum. With the rise of Nazi Germany and the Anschluss, the museum was forcibly closed. Its valuable contents were divided among various repositories, including the Museum of Ethnology and the Natural History Museum, reflecting the tumultuous times.

Dormant Times

In 1964, a small Jewish museum opened in the Desider-Friedmann-Hof. However, it struggled to gain public attention and closed for renovation in 1967. Despite efforts, it remained closed and dormant, awaiting a new chapter in its history.

A New Chapter

In 1986, the vision of a new Jewish museum in Vienna was announced by Mayor Helmut Zilk. This ambitious project gained support from the Austrian state, the city of Vienna, the Jewish Community in Vienna, and notable figures like Leonard Bernstein, setting the stage for a significant revitalization.

The Establishment

The Jewish Museum Vienna was officially established as a limited company in 1988 under the leadership of director Christian Cap. It assumed responsibility for the prestigious Max Berger Collection and the IKG Collection, adding to its already diverse and valuable holdings.

Palace for a Home

In 1993, a significant development occurred when the Palais Eskeles in Dorotheergasse was made available to the museum. This generous donation by the auction house Dorotheum provided a new home for the museum and facilitated the opening of the museum library, enriching its resources.

Second League

The year 2000 witnessed a momentous occasion as the second building of the museum was unveiled in Judenplatz. It featured the poignant Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial, commemorating the Austrian Jews who perished in the Holocaust, reaffirming the museum's commitment to remembrance and education.

Directorial Rights

In 2009, Danielle Spera assumed the role of museum director. Her goal was to create a more inclusive and enlightening museum experience, aiming to dispel fears and prejudices while inviting non-Jewish visitors to explore the traumatic past and vibrant present of the Austrian Jewish community.

Prominence and Beyond

After an extensive renovation project, the museum reopened its doors in 2011. The Dorotheergasse premises underwent a complete overhaul, including technical upgrades and redesigned visitor facilities. The reopening brought new permanent exhibitions, such as "Vienna. Jewish Museum. 21st Century".

Architecture of Jewish Museum Vienna

https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/fb83a0d6455b1cfa9243603d2f6e5f55-Jewish%20museum.jpg

The architecture of the Jewish Museum Vienna is a harmonious blend of historical preservation and contemporary design. The museum is housed in two prominent buildings: the Palais Eskeles in Dorotheergasse and the Misrachi House on Judenplatz. The Palais Eskeles, a grand 18th-century structure, underwent renovations in the 1990s, creating additional display spaces, storage facilities, a coffee house, and a specialized bookshop. The Misrachi House, on the other hand, is a modern construction designed to showcase the exhibition documenting the social, cultural, and religious lives of Viennese Jews in the Middle Ages. Both buildings offer unique architectural features, including light-filled spaces, underground corridors, and the juxtaposition of old and new elements, providing a captivating environment for visitors to explore and learn about Jewish history and heritage.

All Your Questions About Jewish Museum Vienna Answered

How old is Jewish Museum Vienna?

The Jewish Museum Vienna was founded in 1896, making it over 125 years old.

Why is Jewish Museum Vienna famous?

The Jewish Museum Vienna is famous for being the first Jewish museum in the world, dedicated to preserving and showcasing Jewish art, history, and culture.

Where is Jewish Museum Vienna?

The Jewish Museum Vienna is located in Austria's capital city, Vienna. It has two main buildings: the Palais Eskeles in Dorotheergasse and the Judenplatz Museum.

Who built Jewish Museum Vienna?

The Jewish Museum Vienna was founded by the "Society for the Collection and Preservation of Artistic and Historical Memorials of Jewry".

What is the architectural style of Jewish Museum Vienna?

The Jewish Museum Vienna features a combination of architectural styles. The Palais Eskeles showcases Baroque elements, while the Judenplatz Museum has a contemporary design that complements its medieval surroundings.

How much does it cost to visit Jewish Museum Vienna?

The cost of visiting the Jewish Museum Vienna is around €12 for adults.

Are there guided tours explaining Jewish Museum history?

No, guided tours are available at the Jewish Museum Vienna, but you can explore the museum at your pace through admission tickets.

What are some interesting facts about the Jewish Museum of Vienna's history?

The Jewish Museum Vienna's collection was temporarily closed after the Anschluss in 1938, and its contents were distributed among various institutions. It reopened in 1988 and has since expanded its collections and exhibitions.

What is the historical significance of Jewish Museum Vienna?

The Jewish Museum Vienna holds great historical significance as the world's first Jewish museum. It preserves the memory and cultural heritage of Jewish communities, particularly in Vienna and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Is it worth visiting Jewish Museum Vienna?

Visiting the Jewish Museum Vienna is highly recommended for those interested in Jewish history, art, and culture. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage and contributions of the Jewish community in Vienna and beyond.