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Florida Holocaust Museum Reopens After Renovations

The newly renovated Florida Holocaust Museum, ready to welcome visitors.

News Summary

The Florida Holocaust Museum in downtown St. Petersburg will reopen to the public on September 9, following extensive renovations that enhance visitor experience and security. The updated features include a new entrance, a state-of-the-art theater for interactive exhibits, and a balcony offering stunning views. The museum will also display elements from the Elie Wiesel Collection and a historical Danish rescue boat. With over 25,000 artifacts, the museum continues its mission to educate the public about the Holocaust and human rights.

St. Petersburg, Florida – The Florida Holocaust Museum will reopen to the public on September 9, following over a year of extensive renovations. The museum, located at 55 5th Street South in downtown St. Petersburg, is recognized as one of the largest Holocaust museums in the United States, housing a collection of over 25,000 artifacts and is one of only three nationally accredited Holocaust museums in the country.

The renovations have introduced significant upgrades, including a new entrance complete with enhanced security features for visitor safety. Guests will enjoy an open-air second-story balcony that provides a unique viewpoint, as well as a state-of-the-art theater designed to host the interactive exhibit called Dimensions in Testimony. Additionally, a temporary installation will feature elements from the Elie Wiesel Collection, which honors the legacy of the renowned Holocaust survivor and human rights advocate.

The full exhibit dedicated to Elie Wiesel is slated to occupy the third floor of the museum and will be introduced in a subsequent phase of the renovations. Wiesel, who inaugurated the museum’s downtown location in 1998 and taught at Eckerd College for nearly three decades, is celebrated for his contributions to Holocaust education and human rights advocacy.

Among the notable artifacts at the museum is an original railroad boxcar used by the Nazis to transport Jews and other prisoners to concentration camps such as Auschwitz and Treblinka. This boxcar serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities faced during the Holocaust.

The Elie Wiesel Collection itself includes a range of significant items such as Wiesel’s Nobel Prize, personal items from his office and library, unfinished manuscripts, and letters from global leaders. Additionally, the collection features artwork and audio recordings, alongside contributions from Wiesel’s wife, Marion Wiesel, who was instrumental in translating his works and advocating for human rights.

As part of the expansion, the museum will also display the recently acquired Danish rescue boat Thor, which played a critical role in evacuating Jews from Nazi-occupied Denmark to Sweden in late 1943. This operation is credited with saving over 7,000 lives and highlights the museum’s commitment to honoring stories of courage and survival.

Throughout the renovation process, the museum remained focused on enhancing the visitor experience, implementing a visitor-centered design philosophy. Additionally, during the closure, the museum continued to operate its virtual library and educator resources to ensure ongoing educational opportunities for the community.

The renovation project was executed by Hennessy Construction Services in partnership with the St. Petersburg-based architecture firm Behar + Peteranecz, underscoring the commitment to quality and excellence in the revitalization of this important cultural institution.

The reopening of the Florida Holocaust Museum marks a significant milestone in its mission to educate the public about the Holocaust and promote awareness of human rights issues. As it welcomes back visitors, the museum stands poised to continue its legacy as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.