Metaphor, a leading planner and designer of museums, has announced that it will be working as the designer on a new project to transform the National Holocaust Centre and Museum. This is an HLF funded project which will see the addition of a new entrance and welcome journey for guests, as well as updated interpretation in the exhibitions.
As a result, the welcome route will feature stories of Holocaust survivors’ experiences and the personal journeys of the centre’s founding members. Inside, a state-of-the-art immersive exhibition will look at the varied Jewish experiences of the Holocaust, and the role ordinary people played in the perpetration of hate.
Creating a safe space to explore the topic
For Metaphor, as lead designers, exploring this sensitive topic will be both challenging and rewarding. The team will be working to ensure that they create a welcoming and safe space, where visitors are encouraged to think critically about how ordinary people played a role in the unfolding of the Holocaust.
“The story of the Holocaust is not only heartbreaking but also unprecedented,” says a statement from the company. “In a time where digital media has become synonymous with fake news, it is more important than ever to foster the use of critical thinking in our approach to events, news and historical narrative.
“The Holocaust was an unimaginable event that happened within living history. Metaphor are honoured to be working with the National Holocaust Centre and Museum to develop a cutting-edge museum tackling important questions about the Holocaust in a safe and thoughtful environment. We aim to provide an experience that will broaden the museum’s audience and emphasise its relevance in today’s society.
Last month, the company also announced that it has been chosen to partner with the Old Royal Naval College Greenwich on a renovation project of the historic Nelson Room. This will include the creation of a new AV experience, exploring the time between Nelson’s death and his funeral.
