Florida Holocaust Museum closing down until 2025 for renovations

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — People travel from all over to visit the Florida Holocaust Museum.

Starting this fall, the first phase of the Museum’s Transformative Renovation and Expansion Project will begin. The museum will be closed starting July 22.

Some of the renovations that will happen during this first phase are making more space for artifacts, enhanced security measures and a second story balcony.

The museum is a safe space for history to live. It will close its doors for the rest of the year.

“We are a leader and a loud voice in the battle against antisemitism, using the lessons of the Holocaust. Sadly, that’s not going to change either because we are needed more than ever and so, this is really a part of the growth,” said interim CEO, Michael Igel.

One of the big artifacts coming to the museum is the ship, Thor.

“The idea that Thor will now be here, the Danish rescue fishing boat, will be in the museum is really a huge moment and a huge opportunity in the history of the museum,” Igel said.

Neighboring businesses, like Florida CraftArt, said they are excited to see what’s in store for the Museum.

“We’re super excited about it, I mean, anytime there’s an expansion at a museum, it takes about that much time,” said CEO for CraftArt, Jorge Vidal. “It doesn’t surprise me and it’s great they’re able to collapse the timeline for a year.”

To keep visitors and staff extra safe, there will be enhanced security measures.

“For someone who has a mission like that, that’s so important, I would imagine they need the best security,” Vidal said.

“It’s not a shoulders down moment at all, it’s actually a look what’s about to come. So, no rest for the weary, but we’re not tired at all,” Igel said.

Even though people will not be allowed inside, the Museum will continue to be a resource for the community, and continue to share the stores of those who are no longer able to.

“We stand on the shoulders of the victims and the survivors of the Holocaust,” Igel said.

The Museum is planning to reopen in early 2025.