Location
New York, NY
Completion
2003
Client
Museum of Jewish Heritage
Square Footage
82,000 SF
Architect
Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo & Associates
The Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
Sciame was the Construction Manager responsible for this four-story East Wing expansion, which complements the 30,000 SF glass and light granite main building, tripling the existing space.
The 82,000-SF addition, curving around the existing building in Manhattan’s Battery Park City, houses state-of-the-art multimedia classrooms, a 370-seat theater with high quality acoustics, special exhibition galleries, and an education-resource center. In addition, the expansion provides a library, a 380-seat event hall equipped with kitchen facilities and pre-function space, administrative facilities with conference rooms and artifact conservation areas, and a Memorial Garden accessible from the second floor. Also integrated into the building is The Living History Center, which serves as an archive for the Steven Spielberg Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation.
A bridge links the original Museum building and the new East Wing. Additionally, a landscaped terrace was incorporated into the third floor.
The Museum’s core exhibition is organized around three themes:
Jewish Life a Century Ago, The War against the Jews, and Jewish Renewal. With more that 2,000 photographs, 800 artifacts, and twenty- four original documentary films on display, the Museum uses personal stories and artifacts to present 20th Century Jewish history and the Holocaust in a context of universal truths that speak to people of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to the exhibits and programming, the Museum conducts extensive educational programs for children in the tri-state area.
The East Wing was the first new construction to begin in Lower Manhattan after the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001.
The New Victory Theater – Originally built in 1900 as The Republic, the first performing arts venue on 42nd Street, the theater was transformed into The New Victory in 1995, becoming New York’s first theater for children and families. The renovation uncovered and restored original architectural elements, added a new lobby carved from the existing structure and bedrock, rebuilt the historic staircase, and created space for much-needed restrooms. A rear wing was added for backstage access, dressing rooms, workshops, and a loading dock, while new elevators and rooftop HVAC systems were integrated to meet modern needs of the historic theater.
We’re turning 50! As we count down to Sciame’s 50th anniversary on June 13th, we’re celebrating the moments that shaped us. For the next 50 days, we’ll be sharing one standout project a day in our “Countdown to 50”.
Thank you to our amazing clients, team, and friends! We wouldn’t be here without you.
Sciame is honored to have served as the construction manager for the expansion and refurbishment of The Frick Collection, working alongside Selldorf Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle to bring this vision to life. As the museum prepares to reopen next month, we’re pleased to see this project receive high praise in The New York Times from esteemed architecture critic Michael Kimmelman.
🔗 Click the link in our bio to read more.
📰: The New York Times
📸: by Lila Barth
Honoring 50 years of Sciame Construction and Frank’s recognition in City & State’s 50 Over 50 List. Thank you for your leadership and lasting impact on the city and the built environment!
