Toronto Holocaust Museum set to open in Spring 2023 in Westminster-Branson

As Sherman Campus in North York marks the 40th year of Holocaust Education Week, they are eagerly awaiting the opening of the first Toronto Holocaust Museum.

Construction on the museum in the neighbourhood of Westminster-Branson is currently underway and it’s expected to be open in Spring of 2023.

Executive Director of the Toronto Holocaust Museum, Dara Solomon said they’ve been working on the museum for the last three years.

“The foundation of the museum is the voice of Holocaust survivors. Sadly, we are approaching the era where we will no longer have survivors left to tell their stories,” explained Solomon.

Solomon said the programming they have been doing during Holocaust Education Week for the last 40 years will be integrated into the museum.

This week, students will get the opportunity to sit down and hear from survivors. The meusum, thanks to technology, will allow everyone to hear their stories for years to come.

“The museum is a technologically immersive environment. So there are 11 testimony kiosks so you can always hear from a survivor. There are also interactive maps so that people understand the geography of the Holocaust,” said Solomon.

It will also serve as a memory site for descendant families, affirming the enduring legacy of their ancestors.

Given an influx of anti-semitic incidents that has been happening across Canada, officials at the Sherman Campus say these resources are timely.

“It is an incredibly valuable tool in combating this unfortunate rise of antisemitism. We feel that Holocaust education is a great tool to raise awareness about what happens when certain powers go unchecked,” Solomon added.

Events for Holocaust Education Week will go until November 8th, and will include a range of programs that include live performances, lectures, panels, and book and film premieres.

More information on the programming can be found on their website.