September 9, 2025

Florida Holocaust Museum Reopens After Extensive Renovation

News Summary

The Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg will reopen on September 9, following a year-long renovation aimed at enhancing visitor experience and educating the public about the Holocaust. The museum has introduced a new core exhibit, ‘History, Heritage and Hope,’ featuring original artifacts, survivor testimonials, and interactive displays. Significant updates include a focus on safety with enhanced security features and improvements for accessibility. The renovations cost approximately $8 million and reflect a commitment to preserving the memory of Holocaust victims. Free admission will be offered on opening day, thanks to the support of Duke Energy.

St. Petersburg, Florida – The Florida Holocaust Museum will reopen its doors on September 9 following a comprehensive yearlong renovation designed to enhance the visitor experience and educate the public about the Holocaust. The museum has undergone extensive updates since its relocation in 1998, ensuring that visitors have access to modern facilities and compelling exhibits that tell the stories of those who suffered during this dark chapter of history.

Among the notable changes, a new core exhibit titled “History, Heritage and Hope” has been introduced, spanning the entire first floor of the museum. This exhibit features a collection of original artifacts, survivor testimonials, and personal photographs that serve to illuminate the individual stories of Holocaust victims and survivors. A key highlight of the exhibit is the inclusion of the Thor, a remarkable 34-foot, 10-ton Danish fishing boat instrumental in the 1943 rescue of over 7,000 Jews fleeing to Sweden. Additionally, the museum houses a vital historical artifact, Boxcar No. 113 069-5, one of the few remaining railroad cars utilized by Nazis to transport victims to concentration camps.

Another significant feature of the museum will be the display of personal items belonging to renowned Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, which includes the Nobel Prize he was awarded and other artifacts from his life. This will form part of a future permanent installation aimed at celebrating the lives of Holocaust survivors and their contributions to society.

Visitors can also engage with interactive elements at the museum, such as a video display that allows them to ask questions to Holocaust survivor Betty Grebenshikoff, who found refuge in Shanghai during World War II. This interactive approach aims to create a personal connection with the history being shared. The exhibit also features a section called “Violins of Hope”, showcasing instruments that survived World War II, accompanied by carefully curated music that enhances the overall atmosphere of the displays.

The renovation comes in response to an increase in antisemitism and includes significant upgrades in security, such as bulletproof glass and metal detectors. These enhancements are part of the museum’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its visitors while providing a space for critical historical education. Improvements have also been made to accessibility and safety measures, ensuring that everyone can fully engage with the museum’s offerings.

The total cost of the renovations was approximately $8 million, reflecting a substantial investment in preserving the memory of Holocaust victims and educating future generations. On its opening day, the museum will offer free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., thanks in part to the support of Duke Energy.

The main objective of the Florida Holocaust Museum is to foster a deeper understanding of the Holocaust’s individual human impact, focusing on personal stories rather than mere statistics. The museum’s staff hopes that by experiencing these narratives, visitors will come away with a renewed awareness of the importance of preventing future genocides and recognizing the signs of hatred and intolerance in today’s society.

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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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