First look: New galleries, exhibition spaces in Sydney Jewish Museum’s $18 million renewal

Multimillion-dollar plans have been revealed to expand the Sydney Jewish Museum as part of a major proposal to attract more visitors to the cultural institution.

An artist’s impression of the $18 million development.

Multimillion-dollar plans have been revealed to expand the Sydney Jewish Museum as part of a major proposal to attract more visitors to the cultural institution.

Almost $18m would be spent renewing the Jewish museum in Darlinghurst with a range of new features including galleries, a cafe, and event spaces.

The plans were lodged to the City of Sydney just days before the Hamas attack on Israel sent shockwaves around the world.

In the wake of the attack, the museum has made headlines after three men were charged after allegedly performing a Nazi salute outside the museum earlier this month.

The Sydney Jewish Museum, in plans for the renewal, state its primary intention would be to “encourage education and engagement with Jewish history.”

The renewal would double the museum’s visitor capacity.

The development includes new exhibition and education areas.

“We have recognised the need to humanise the Jewish narrative, and to work to dispel myths that still perpetuate about the Jewish people,” the plans state.

“Our new building will allow us to explore Jewish culture from all facets while expanding our Holocaust education programs to teach tolerance and ethical leadership.”

The project is aimed at raising awareness of Jewish culture.

Museum chief executive Kevin Sumption said the need for the upgrade had been underpinned by the recent attacks on Israel by Hamas.

“Right now many Jewish Australians are grappling with and trying to process a spike in anti-Semitism particularly right here in our own backyard,” he said.

“anti-Semitism is increasing and our precious group of Holocaust survivors – many of whom founded the museum – is becoming smaller.

“Sadly, current events show us that more needs to be done in Australia to prevent anti-Semitism. It is critical for us to respond to this changing world with new programs that actively challenge racism, intolerance and anti-Semitism.”

A concept image of the new staircase and skylight features.

New features set to be added to the museum include dedicated education and archive areas, multiple galleries, a cafe, retail areas and event spaces.

There would also be new multimedia and exhibition spaces, staff facilities, and a showcase rooftop skylight and spiral staircase.

The development works would require the demolition of parts of the existing museum including sections of roofing, stair and internal walls.

Plans show the expansion would boost the museum’s visitor capacity from about 250 people to 500 per day.

A photo of the current site.

The number of school trips would also double with the revamp accommodating up to 500 students through its doors per day.

The development would mark one of the biggest renewal project’s in the museum’s history which was founded to remember fallen Jewish soldiers in World War I and to educate the community about the Holocaust.

The museum is also a hub place for members of the Jewish community to meet social and recreational purposes.

“The revitalisation and renewal efforts will contribute to raising cultural awareness, addressing issues of inclusivity, and addressing broader social concerns,” the plans state.

Plans show the development would address “several challenges with existing facilities” including inadequate amenities for visitors.

The development proposal has been lodged with the City of Sydney and is currently open for public feedback.