The Montreal Holocaust Museum (MHM) is proud to reveal the architectural designs of its new downtown Museum opening in 2025 at 3535 Blvd. St-Laurent. Created by KPMB Architects + Daoust Lestage Lizotte Stecker Architecture, the winning designs were selected following an international architectural competition.
Based on the pillars of memory, education, and community, the striking new building will contain multiple exhibition spaces, classrooms, an auditorium, a memorial garden, and a dedicated survivor testimony room. Construction on the new Museum will begin in the fall of 2023.
The MHM is moving from its current Cote-des-Neiges location in response to growing demand for its educational programs about the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights. Facing a rise of racism, antisemitism, and discrimination, the new MHM will have a broader impact in galvanizing communities throughout Quebec and Canada to fight all forms of hatred and persecution.
“The architecture is woven fluidly into the urban fabric of the city of Montreal featuring an elegant exterior of glass and traditional Quebec limestone. The building steps back at grade offering a generous entrance with a landscaped forecourt at the wall of memory.
Passerbys will see inscribed names of communities annihilated during the Holocaust. The facade will also feature engraved prose by Jewish poets. The design for the museum features simplistic shapes and forms with a strong emphasis on balance evoking feelings of tranquility and reflection.
One of the museum’s most treasured artifacts, The Heart of Auschwitz, was a meaningful source of design inspiration both for its heart shape and accordion form. Interior spaces are characterized by openness with ample light and access to views of landscaped courtyards intended to offer respite against the heavy backdrop of the Holocaust context.” KPMB Architects repots.
“The brilliant design succeeded in creating a space of powerful architecture that remains respectful and sensitive to the difficult history of the Holocaust and its human rights legacy that will be transmitted within its walls.
While we eagerly await our opening on Blvd. St-Laurent, we invite everyone to get involved today and Give Voice to help support their new Montreal Holocaust Museum,” stated Daniel Amar, Executive Director of the MHM. Source and images Courtesy of Montreal Holocaust Museum.
