Jewish Museum of Canada facts for kids
The Jewish Museum of Canada was an idea for a museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was planned by the family of Isadore Sharp, who started Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and a group called the United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto. The Sharp family promised $20 million for the project. They hoped to raise $150 million in total. The museum was going to have three main areas. These areas would show the Jewish experience, Jewish life in Canada, and also include a special center for Holocaust education.
The plan for the museum was announced in September 2014. However, it was later 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 its cultural center right away. Isadore Sharp, who started the museum idea, said in January 2016 that the university had offered a great chance. He explained that the university was moving forward with its own project. They wanted the museum to be part of it, but the museum group had a different timeline. It just didn't work out with the other plans the federation already had. Sharp added that the museum project was on hold. He said it was up to the federation to decide if they wanted to continue with it later.
Steve Shulman, who worked for the UJA federation, told the Canadian Jewish News that the university wanted to move very quickly. This was a challenge. He also said that the UJA had other important goals. These included helping people in their community, supporting Jewish education, and connecting with Israel.
Where Was the Museum Going to Be?
The museum was first planned for the site of the old McLaughlin Planetarium. This spot is at 90 Queen's Park Crescent in Toronto. The University of Toronto owns this land. The museum was going to be part of a bigger cultural complex there.
This complex was also planned to include other things. It would have a 250-seat performance hall for the University of Toronto's music students. There would also be space for the university's history department. Other groups like the Near and Middle Eastern civilizations department and the Institute of Islamic Studies would also have space. A research part for the Centre for Jewish Studies was also planned.
In January 2016, the university announced a change. They decided to build their cultural center without the Jewish Museum of Canada. This new center is now called the Centre for Civilizations and Cultures. The university explained that the UJA needed to focus on other important funding needs.
