Jewish Museum of Canada facts for kids
The Jewish Museum of Canada was a planned museum for Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was going to be a place to learn about Jewish history and culture. The museum project was started by the family of Isadore Sharp, who founded Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. They partnered with the United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto.
The Sharp family promised $20 million for the museum. The total goal for the project was $150 million. The museum planned to have three main galleries. These galleries would show artifacts and use multimedia to teach visitors. There were also plans for three special areas. These areas were called: Jewish Experience, Jewish Life in Canada, and The Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre.
The idea for the museum was first announced in September 2014. However, the project has been put on hold. This happened because the United Jewish Appeal decided to focus on other important projects first. Also, the University of Toronto, which was a partner, wanted to build a cultural center right away. The museum was supposed to be part of this center.
Isadore Sharp, who started the museum idea, spoke about it in January 2016. He said the university offered a great chance. They wanted the museum to be part of their new building. But the museum project had a timeline that didn't work with other plans. Sharp added that the project is now on hold. It is up to the federation to decide if they want to continue it later.
Steve Shulman, who works for the UJA federation, explained more. He told the Canadian Jewish News that the university wanted to move very quickly. This was a challenge. He also said the UJA has other important goals. These include helping people in need and supporting Jewish education. They also focus on Jewish identity and connections with Israel.
Original Plans for the Museum Location
The museum was first planned to be built at 90 Queen's Park Crescent. This location is where the former McLaughlin Planetarium used to be. The University of Toronto owns this land. The museum was going to be part of a larger cultural complex.
What the Cultural Complex Included
The cultural complex was going to have many different parts. It would include a performance hall with 250 seats. This hall would be for the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music. There would also be space for several university departments. These included the history department and the Near and Middle Eastern civilizations department. The Institute of Islamic Studies was also going to be there. Finally, a research area for the Centre for Jewish Studies was planned.
In January 2016, the university announced a change. They decided to go ahead with building the complex. It is now called the Centre for Civilizations and Cultures. However, the Jewish Museum of Canada is not part of it anymore. This is because the UJA needed to focus on other urgent funding needs.
