Sydney Jewish Museum: Council makes decision on $18m upgrade after lengthy planning process

The Sydney Jewish Museum has set its sights on a major upgrade with the goal of doubling visitor numbers, boosting education programs and combating an upsurge in anti-semitism.

The redevelopment was approved after a lengthy assessment by the City of Sydney Council.

The Sydney Jewish Museum has been given the green light to undergo a multimillion dollar expansion of the site with the goal of doubling visitor numbers and combating an upsurge in anti-semitism.

New galleries, a cafe, and event spaces will be added to the Darlinghurst cultural institution as part of an $18 million development approved by the City of Sydney Council.

The renewal will involve demolition of walls, roofs and stairs to make way for new dedicated education and archive areas, galleries, retail and dining areas and exhibition spaces.

The expansion will enable visitor numbers to almost double from approximately 55,000 to 100,000 people per year – providing programs that both “demystify” and celebrate Jewish life and culture.

The plans for the development were lodged to the council just days before last year’s Hamas attack on Israel that sent shockwaves around the world.

A concept image of the redevelopment.

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

Museum chief executive Kevin Sumption said the recent upsurge in anti-semitism in Australia – stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – has underscored the importance of the museum upgrade.

“For a long time now, the Sydney Jewish Museum has known that a broader educational approach is needed to address racism and prejudice against Jewish people – and this need has only been amplified with current global events,” he said.

The museum has a goal of boosting visitor numbers to the site.

“The space will work to foster intercultural dialogue, so people from all backgrounds can have a chance to experience and celebrate Jewish culture”.

The approval comes after a lengthy eight month assessment process which included the City of Sydney reviewing submissions from nearby residents opposed to the development.

The upgrade will facilitate education programs.

Some neighbours – in written submissions to the council – said they were “strongly opposed” to the development due to potential noise and “vibration” impacts during construction periods.

The council, however, determined the development would not adversely impact the amenity of nearby homes and was permissible under zoning regulations for the site.

Development plans show other features of the expansion include a coach pick up and drop off area intended for school group tours, upgraded staff facilities, and a showcase rooftop skylight and spiral staircase.

Design photos of the upgrade.

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

The development will mark one of the biggest renewal projects 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 for members of Sydney’s Jewish community to meet for social and recreational purposes.

The upgrade is expected to be completed by 2027.

The Sydney Jewish Museum, in plans for the renewal, stated the primary intention of the upgrade will be to “encourage education and engagement with Jewish history.”

“We believe that our Holocaust displays are world class – however, as there comes a time when there will be no survivors left to tell their stories, we need to invest in technologies that allow us to preserve testimony and communicate it in ways that resonate with 21st century audiences,” the plans stated.

“We recognised the need to humanise the Jewish narrative and to work to dispel myths that still perpetuate about the Jewish people.

“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.”

Construction is expected to commence early next year and is due for completion in 2027.