Museum gets major investment as chairman eyes change of location
LONDON’S JEWISH Museum has received a multimillion-pound injection from a Jewish donor.
Chairman Lord Young revealed that themuseum,inCamden,northLondon, had received several million pounds from the unnamed benefactor.
It is hoped the money will be used to boost interest in the museum from young people, through using technology and interactive displays.
Lord Young also said he hoped the number of visitors — currently at 60,000 a year — could be doubled if the museum moved to a new site.
He earmarked the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in central London as the ideal location.
He said: “We have been looking for a new property for quite some time, but prices are so high. I have one hope — for 35 years, Central Synagogue and Western Marble Arch have talked of combining. One day it is going to happen.”
He said Marble Arch was currently designated for both religious and museum use under planning regulations.
“We have said we are seriously i nt er e s t e d i n Marble Arch,” the peer added.
“We have t o wait until they
Lord Young make up their mind. If Marble Arch became available, we would go there like a shot. If it doesn’t happen, we will keep on looking and find something.”
Meanwhile, the museum will host NHS blood tests and donor registrations as part of its upcoming project.
It has collaborated with the NHS on its latest exhibtion, which examines the role of blood in Jewish history. There will be three opportunities for visitors to find out their blood group by undergoing a finger prick test. The first is on Sunday. Those who register will then be invited to donate blood in February. Chief executive Abigail Morris said it was an opportunity to try to do something to help.