A museum for the future, opening mid-2027

The Sydney Jewish Museum is growing. We’re expanding and reimagining the Museum to create a new home for Jewish life and culture in Sydney, alongside our Holocaust museum. We’re on track to welcome the public back through our doors in mid-2027.

At a glance

• School groups: returning to Darlinghurst from the start of the 2027 school year
• Public opening: mid-2027
• More space: two adjacent buildings, doubling our floor space
• More to explore: nine dedicated exhibition spaces
• Until then: school programs continue at a temporary location, and our online shop is open 24/7

Redevelopment update – October 2026

The big reveal is finally here. At the end of October, the hoardings on Darlinghurst Road will come down, revealing our striking glass frontage and new entrance. New steel lettering spelling out “Sydney Jewish Museum” will then be installed above the entrance.

Inside, the back-of-house facilities on the upper levels are finished, and the fit-out is nearing completion.

Later this year, a limited number of SJM members will be among the first to step inside the new building when they attend our Annual General Meeting on site. Become a member to stay close to the Museum’s next chapter.

Last updated: 20 October 2026

What’s coming

Our original Holocaust museum is housed in the heritage-listed NSW Jewish War Memorial, also known as the Maccabean Hall, which was built in 1923. Two adjoining buildings will double our floor space. The new Museum will feature nine dedicated exhibition spaces, a Centre for Contemporary Jewish Life, the SJM Centre for Education Against Antisemitism and purpose-built learning facilities for school groups. Behind its striking glass frontage, the Museum will be light-filled and spacious, with exhibitions across several easily-accessible levels.

Using immersive technology, our new exhibitions will explore what it means to be Jewish in Australia. Visitors will experience the joy of Jewish culture and food, and discover the contribution Jewish people have made to Australia since the First Fleet. They’ll also learn about the deep connection between Jewish people and the Land of Israel, and about a faith, culture and people with roots stretching back nearly 4,000 years. The exhibitions are designed to be enjoyed again and again, with something new to discover on every visit.

Holocaust education at our heart

The Museum was founded by Holocaust survivors in 1992 to educate people about the dangers of racism and promote tolerance. Bringing students face to face with history remains central to our mission. Our revitalised Holocaust exhibitions will continue to offer upper primary and high school students a safe, age-appropriate and immersive way to learn about this period of history.

For the rest of 2026, our SJM team of educators will continue to deliver school programs at a temporary location. Visit our Learning pages for program and booking information.

Our learning extends beyond the classroom. We also offer professional development for teachers, corporate programs, on-demand webinars and upcoming events for adult learners.

For teachers delivering the new 2027 NSW History syllabus, SJM offers a two-day professional development program, Insights: Foundations for Teaching the Holocaust designed for Years 7-10 HSIE teachers. The program covers core curriculum content and includes exclusive classroom resources and ongoing access to the Insights online learning platform. Book for 26-27 October 2026 or 22-23 March 2027.

A museum about people

Above all, the Sydney Jewish Museum is about people, not only objects. Many of our guides and volunteers have a personal or family connection to the stories we tell and love sharing them with visitors. Students will continue to hear first-hand accounts from Holocaust survivors and their descendants, helping them connect more deeply with what they’re studying. You can also watch survivors share their stories online.

Café and Museum Shop

On the entry level, visitors will find a cafe and the Museum Shop. The shop stocks books by Jewish authors and on Jewish themes, along with Judaica, merchandise and designer gifts. Shop online now.

Stay connected

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