London GOVERNMENT AWARDS GRANT TO JEWISH MUSEUM LONDON ON HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY

From: Dina Wosner  Dina.Wosner@jewishmuseum.org.uk

The Jewish Museum London is delighted to announce that Margaret Hodge, Minister for Culture, has awarded the Jewish Museum a grant of £100,000 on Holocaust Memorial Day. This is the first time the Jewish Museum has received a direct grant from the Government.

Rickie Burman, Director of the Jewish Museum said: 

"This much needed grant recognises the work of the Jewish Museum which will open its doors on 17 March 2010. The theme of Holocaust Memorial Day this year is 'The Legacy of Hope', a key theme highlighted in our new museum through personal stories of struggle, survival and hope. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages and backgrounds to experience our interactive displays, exhibitions and exciting public programmes."

The Jewish Museum will reopen in March after a major development project. Its new displays and exhibitions will tell the story of Jewish history, culture and religion in an innovative and compelling way and engage with people of all backgrounds and faiths to explore Jewish heritage and identity as part of the wider story of Britain.  Displayed across four permanent galleries, the huge variety of objects, films, photography, hands-on exhibits and personal stories on display will paint a rich and nuanced picture of British Jewish life and religion as well as exploring contemporary social issues around immigration and settlement.

The story of the Jewish people reflects the experiences of other immigrant groups settling in a new country, seeking to make a new life while retaining their identity and traditions.

The museum's lively and busy education department provides programmes focusing on understanding Judaism and the Holocaust. One of the four permanent galleries is The Holocaust Gallery. This unique space explores the impact of Nazism through the experiences and poignant personal items of London-born Auschwitz survivor Leon Greenman OBE and other survivors who have made their homes in Britain.

For further information, please contact

Janice Lopatkin on 07714 853 538 or

Dina Wosner on 020 7284 7356 / dina.wosner@jewishmuseum.org.uk

To view the release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport please follow this link: www.culture.gov.uk