HATIKVAH HOLOCAST EDUCATION CENTER

Challenge: To tell the story of the Holocaust on a personal level by tracing the lives of 5 Jewish families that comprised the tiny village of Roth Germany. The exhibit required a creative design to work within a wedge shaped space with one wall entirely of glass. Colors and layout needed to convey emotion beyond that generated by the images and story. A multimedia piece, interactive listening stations and artifact displays were required to work with an educational curriculum under development. Limited budgets required that no structural changes be made to the existing space other than the addition of the exhibit structures.

Solution: Using documents, photos, artifacts and personal testimonies, the exhibit introduces the viewer to the families, their homes, hobbies and livelihoods. Images and historical text were combined in a story board design and produced on large panels. Through the use of carefully selected color, each phase of the Nazi advance through Europe is visually separated. Angled ledges below each chapter of the story support artifacts, documents and pieces of Nazi propaganda. Large banners with duotoned images partially cover the glass wall to assist with light control and prevent damage to valuable artifacts. Extended soffits at the top of the exhibit panels provide recessed focus lighting and visually lower the 24’ high ceilings. Vertical banners hanging in the center of the exhibition space provide images of the many ethnic groups affected by the Holocaust. A 42” plasma screen displays an ‘on demand’ multimedia presentation with testimonials of survivors of Roth, as well as an overview of Hitler’s advance.

 

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