A Reflection and Interpretation by Eavan Donovan on our October 12th 2017 trip to the Jewish Museum Berlin
How do we remember the past? In what ways should the visitor interpret a memorial? These questions were pondered during the construction and continue to be an important part of the Jewish Museum in Berlin. This museum gives a modern perspective on the history of Jews with interactive activities, videos, personal audio biographies, and art from every time period.
By creating the 166,840 sq. feet environment for reflection, contemplation, questioning and remembrance, the museum invites guests to an experience they are sure to remember past their exit of the museum.
The outside of the building is just as impressive as the inside. Finished in 2001 by architect Daniel Liebeskind, the modern, jagged building is attached to the 1735 Baroque style building of the previous Prussian Court of Justice. Now when a viewer comes to the Jewish Museum, they can’t guess what is to come from the experience. The large building, with shiny metal and windows at odd angles does not allow the contents of the building to be seen. I particularly appreciated this aspect of the architecture as it leads to remembrance in a subconscious way. In some ways, we feel anxious about entering the dark building with no sign of a clear entrance or exit. Liebeskind purposely designed the building to remember the Holocaust victims, the importance of Jewish contributions to German society and finally the various paths of the millions of Jewish Germans throughout history.
One of the things that stuck out to me about this museum was the entrance/exit. The guests of the museum must go down a set of concrete and metal stairs to start into the basement of the museum. There are three axes to symbolize the three paths of Jews in Europe during the 1900s, with small plaques explaining small objects along the walls. The first is to the Holocaust Tower, a dead end with a dark, cold room. There is a small amount of light in the room but the overwhelming emptiness, and harsh walls remember those murdered in the Holocaust.
The next is the Garden of Exile and Emigration which is used to remember those who were forced to leave Germany. This is the only exhibit outside, perhaps exemplifying the freedom of those who emigrated. Yet at the same time, the uneven ground and tall concrete pillars remind us that the path was no easy and not all of those who emigrated survived. Finally, the staircase I have pictured is called the Stair of Continuity which leads to the exhibition spaces above showing how history and remembrance continues on. These axes set the mood of the museum at the beginning and helped to show that the history of millions of Jews can not be attributed into one particular storyline.
Finally, this is a museum that is highly acclaimed for both families, locals and visitors. Its location allows for the large outdoor space to have benches as reflection memorials, and beautiful gardens, while also being centrally located in the city. The museum was informational on the facts of Jewish life but most importantly plays a vital role in remembrance of the horrible atrocities endured by the Jews through remembering the contributions of an incredible people and their lost souls. This museum has influenced guests for almost two decades and is sure to continue this legacy for many more decades of remembrance.
Sources:
“Jewish Museum Berlin.” Libeskind, libeskind.com/work/jewish-museum-berlin/.http://libeskind.com/work/jewish-museum-berlin/
“The History of the Jewish Museum Berlin.” History of Our Museum | Jewish Museum Berlin, www.jmberlin.de/en/history-our-museum.