"Rich in symbolism, the museum’s architecture makes German-Jewish history palpable, raises numerous questions, and provokes reflection."
After spending two months in Berlin, we finally decided it was time to actually get out (past the beer gardens and delicious food) and see what our “home away from home” was all about. We had heard about the Jewish Museum and during our walks around the city we couldn’t help but notice the massive shiny silver structure taking up most of the street. It’s a temptress of a building and finally we stepped inside.
Each building and every floor of the Jewish Museum has something interesting to see. Even if you aren’t into cultural Museums, you can still marvel at the beauty of the architecture and wander around the maze of exhibits and halls. The permanent exhibitions spans 14 historical periods from the Middle Ages to the present, depicting the rich and heartfelt German-Jewish history. There are many sad parts to Jewish history, and the Museum does a truly beautiful job in representing the past, present and future. It shares not only the Holocaust period butrepresents daily life through artistic objects, photos and letters and plenty of interactive displays.
“There are many sad parts to Jewish history, and the Museum does a truly beautiful job in representing the past, present and future. ”
Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the building itself is a piece of art. Its maze like structure is covered inzinc-panels with slits of windows on the facade. As you walk through the building and exhibitions, it's as if you're walking through the mind of the designer. You'll find dark spaces and tall walls of concrete. But then as you turn the corner there will be a lively exhibition featuring a robot that is writing the Torah. It's the juxtaposition of somberness and innovation that I found absolutely fascinating. You can’t help but stare and appreciate the creative thought that went into a design as creative and stunning as this.
“You can’t help but stare and appreciate the creative thought that went into a design as creative and stunning as this. ”
For more information on the Jewish Museum, or for opening hours and ticket information, please check out their website.