WILLEMSTAD - Yesterday marked the beginning of construction on a new museum wing adjacent to the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel synagogue, better known as Snoa, in the historic district of Punda. After several years of preparation, the renovation of two largely vacant buildings has finally commenced, with the aim of opening the "Jewish Museum Curaçao" there in 2025. A visit to the Jewish Museum Curaçao will provide insight into the history of Jewish life on the island, dating back to the 17th century. The new exhibition will feature historical materials as well as the latest exhibition materials available in this digital age.
A central part of the exhibition will be the story of war and resistance hero George Maduro, whose inspiring history served as the catalyst for a broader narrative of Jewish life in the Caribbean. A special collaboration with the Anne Frank Foundation underscores the significance of this project. The Jewish Museum Curaçao is a collaborative effort between the existing Jewish Cultural Historical Museum (Chairperson Michèle Russel-Capriles), the Culture Chameleon Foundation (project leader Saskia Luckmann-Meijer), the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue (Snoa), and the Anne Frank Foundation. This ambitious project has been made possible thanks to the support of various funds and sponsors, including the VFonds, the Mondriaan Fund, and the Claims Conference.