Zelman Cowen Gallery of Australian Jewish History
This exhibition tells the story of Jewish life in Australia from 1788 to the present. It explores the character and diversity of the community today and the evolution of Jewish tradition and culture in response to Jewish migration and Australian context and environment.
Calling Australia Home
Redevelopment of the Zelman Cowen Gallery of Australian Jewish History
The redevelopment of the Zelman Cowen Gallery of Australian Jewish History, scheduled to open in June 2012, is well underway. The new gallery, named in honour of the Museum's patron Sir Zelman Cowen, will take most of its content from the Museum's unique collection as well as individual items on loan from private collections. New exhibits have been curated and designed to enhance visitor engagement, access and participation and include both traditional and new-media displays. The new exhibition will also feature activity hubs for children.
For a list of Calling Australia Home related programs please click here.
L–R: Commercial traveller's bag, early 20th century, donated by Mary-Lou Howie, Jewish Museum of Australia Collection 12643; Invitation, Conversazione in the Exhibition Building, Federation celebrations, 1901, donated by Trevor Cohen, Jewish Museum of Australia Collection 11541; Australia and the Jews: The Facts about Jewish Influence, the Facts about the Refugees, Len Fox, International Book Shop, Melbourne, 1943, Jewish Museum of Australia Collection 11678
Redevelopment of Zelman Cowen Gallery of Australian Jewish History
From December 2011
Deconstruction of the old gallery
the redevelopment of the Zelman Cowen Gallery of Australian Jewish History, scheduled to open in June 2012, is well underway. The new gallery, named in honour of the Museum's patron Sir Zelman Cowen, will take most of its content from the Museum's unique collection as well as individual items on loan from private collections. New exhibits have been curated and designed so as to enhance visitor engagement, access and participation and include both traditional and new media displays. The new exhibition will also feature activity hubs for children.
Demolition of the previous exhibition structure has now been completed. Construction of the new infrastructure will now commence with work primarily occurring off-site during February. During this time public access to Belief and Ritual and The Jewish Year will resume as will lift access to the upstairs galleries. There may be some public disruption during this time but the Museum will endeavour to keep this to a minimum.
We apologise for any inconvenience and reassure you that the new permanent exhibition opening in 2012 will be well worth the wait. We look forward to sharing the new Zelman Cowen Gallery of Australian Jewish History with you this year. For more information on gallery opening and closing times and any updated changes to exhibition viewings will be available online.
Permanent Exhibitions
