Manchester Jewish Museum has revealed plans to reopen its doors on Friday 2 July following a major redesign and extension that has brought a new gallery, cafe, shop, learning studio and kitchen, alongside a stunning restoration of its 1874 Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue – the oldest surviving synagogue in Manchester.
Based in Cheetham Hill, the venue’s refurbishment was supported The National Lottery Heritage fund and has been two years in the making. Once reopen, the museum team promise a new season of events – including a soon-to-be-revealed MIF partnership – with visitors invited to explore a huge array of important cultural objects – from personal letters and photographs, to more eclectic items like a herring chopper and an English-Hebrew teapot.
Food will play a big part at this new-look Museum, with its on-site cafe serving locally-sourced, kosher-style vegetarian meals and snacks. A new programme of food-related activities are also due to take place over the coming months, each celebrating the important role food plays within the Jewish culture.
The only Jewish museum outside of London, Manchester Jewish Museum comes complete with a Grade II listed synagogue at its heart. Having been closed to the public since 2019 in order to undergo a £6m extension and restoration, this beautiful place of worship has now been returned to its former glory thanks to the help of historic painting and stained glass experts. A number of sustainable features have also been incorporated into the museum’s redesign to help reduce its carbon footprint and improve its overall longevity.
To find out more about Manchester Jewish Museum ahead of its reopening on Friday 2 July, visit its website via the link below.
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www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com
- Words:
- Simon Bland
- Published on:
- Tue 20 Apr 2021
