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History of the Jews in the Netherlands 1600-1900

Studio OTW / ATELIER Alkema

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Designer
Studio OTW / ATELIER Alkema
Client
Jewish Historical Museum Amsterdam
Floor area
200.00 ㎡
Completion
2017

During the course of 2016 and 2017, Studio OTW worked together with partners ATELIER Alkema and Bloemendaal & Dekkers on the refurbishment of one of the permanent exhibitions in the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam. The new permanent exhibition tells the story of Jewish migrants who came to the Republic from many parts of the globe. Over three centuries, they slowly but surely became a familiar part of Dutch society and were eventually granted full citizenship. This long process of migration, social acceptance (sometimes reluctant), and integration is told, wherever possible, through stories of Jewish daily life in those three centuries. Where did they come from? Where did they live? How did they earn a living? Recent scholarly research has been woven into the narrative. Advances in the fields of sustainability, museum presentation methods, new media, and technology have been applied to tell the story in a more attractive, interactive way that makes the visitors feel more engaged. The gallery is situated in a magnificent yet unconventional exhibition space of the former Great Synagogue. Together with the complex narrative covering three centuries of migration, settlement and citizenship, the exhibition design also addresses the architectural challenges of this unique location.