Museum of the History of Polish Jews - Groundbreaking Ceremony

2 July 2009

On June 30, Ambassador Ashe, along with Polish Minister of Culture Bogdan Zdrojewski, Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, and Jewish Historical Institute head Marian Turski, attended a groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of Warsaw’s Museum of the History of Polish Jews.  The ceremony was followed by a concert of the Cantors Assembly, who performed again that evening at a gala event at the Polish National Opera.  “I am delighted that the vision of a museum documenting the illustrious history of Jews in Poland will at long last be realized,” Ambassador Ashe said.  “I congratulate the Museum staff and the many, many Poles who have worked so hard to bring this idea to fruition.” 

The Museum, a joint initiative of the Polish Culture Ministry, the City of Warsaw, and the Jewish Historical Institute, is set to open in 2012 on the site of the former headquarters of the Jewish Council in the Warsaw Ghetto.  The multimedia narrative museum and cultural center will present the history of Polish Jews and the rich civilization they created over the course of almost 1000 years. Using the latest historical research and most innovative exhibition design, the museum will immerse visitors in the world of Polish Jews and encourage exploration through a wide range of media, documents, and artifacts. As a cultural and educational center, the Museum will provide a unique learning environment, lively public programs, and a meeting place for a diverse public.