Florida Holocaust Museum Set to Reopen After Renovation

News Summary

The Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg will reopen on September 9, 2025, after significant renovations that began in July 2024. The renovation includes a new entrance, enhanced security, and an expanded gallery featuring the historic Danish fishing boat Thor, which rescued thousands of Jews during WWII. A railroad boxcar from the Holocaust and a temporary Elie Wiesel collection exhibit will also be prominent. The museum aims to enhance Holocaust education and remembrance in the community.

St. Petersburg, Florida – The Florida Holocaust Museum is set to reopen its doors to the public on September 9, 2025, following a significant renovation and expansion project that began in July 2024. The museum, located at 55 Fifth St. S. in downtown St. Petersburg, has been a vital part of the community since its founding in 1992, serving as one of the largest Holocaust museums in the United States. It is well-known for its efforts to advocate for Holocaust education within Florida public schools.

The renovation project has introduced several notable features, including a new entrance equipped with enhanced security features to ensure the safety of its visitors. A major attraction of the newly renovated museum will be an expanded gallery showcasing the Danish fishing boat Thor. This historic vessel, which played a crucial role in rescuing over 7,000 Jews from Nazi-occupied Denmark to Sweden in 1943, was acquired by the museum in December 2023 and weighs approximately 10 tons.

In addition to the Thor boat, the museum will house a railroad boxcar that was used by Nazis to transport Jews and other prisoners, providing a powerful visual representation of the tragic experiences endured during the Holocaust. A temporary exhibition of the Elie Wiesel collection will also be featured as part of the renovations, with plans for a full exhibit on the museum’s third floor in the subsequent phase of the expansion.

The Florida Holocaust Museum boasts a collection of over 25,000 artifacts, making it one of only three nationally accredited Holocaust museums in the United States. One of the unique elements of the museum will be the Dimension in Testimony exhibit, which will incorporate interactive features and will be housed in the museum’s new theater.

The renovations were carried out by Hennessy Construction Services in partnership with Behar + Peteranecz architects, reflecting a commitment to showcasing the rich history of the Holocaust while ensuring a modern visitor experience.

As the reopening date approaches, museum officials are organizing a series of events this summer to celebrate the museum’s return to the community. These events are aimed at raising awareness and encouraging public participation, as well as providing a preview of what visitors can expect in the new spaces.

The Florida Holocaust Museum stands as a poignant reminder of the past, dedicated to educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust and promoting understanding and acceptance. Its reopening marks a significant moment not just for St. Petersburg, but for all those committed to remembering and learning from history.

The museum’s dedication to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and advancing education on its impacts will continue as it reopens its doors, welcoming both new visitors and those returning to explore the enhanced offerings designed to educate and inspire.

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Additional Resources

• St. Peterising: Florida Holocaust Museum Announces Reopening
• Wikipedia: Holocaust
• Jewish Press Pinellas: Danish Rescue Boat Docks
• Google Search: Florida Holocaust Museum
• ABC Action News: Florida Holocaust Museum Expansion
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Holocaust