New Museum

Overview

Why Build a New Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center

Capital Campaign

Naming Opportunities

Building Design

Visitor Experience

Artifacts

Newsletter

Project Leadership

By Project Architect, Stanley Tigerman

The three-part building design is dedicated to Holocaust survivors. The first part is a dark anodized metal clad building representing "the descent into darkness." This portion of the project is orientated toward the Western Wall of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. The "hinge" is a book of remembrance, and is the memorial to those who perished in the Holocaust. The third part ascends into the light and represents an education center. This white anodized metal portion is orientated due east in anticipation of a Messianic Age. The three parts of the complex can also be interpreted to the three parts of Lurianic Kabbalah.

Situated adjacent to the Edens Expressway, the building lies somewhat below the roadway bed, such that fragments of the whole are visible. In order to fully comprehend the entirety of the project, one makes a "rite of passage" to the actual entrance to the Museum precinct, entering off of Woods Drive. Only then does the total symbolism become apparent.

Ground floor functions include a special exhibitions gallery, a Children’s Exhibition, classrooms and special events hall. The main floor features an auditorium, the core exhibition and library and resource center. Second floor uses include the Book of Remembrance, the Legacy of Absence gallery and Trustee’s Board Room. The third floor is devoted to staff offices. The organization of the entire facility is linearly one-way; entering into the darkened museum, while exiting through the lightened education center.

June 2006