The Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History is the principal institution dedicated to preserving, researching, and presenting the centuries-long history of Jewish life in Lithuania. Through its exhibitions, archival work, educational programs, and public outreach, the museum safeguards the memory of a once-vibrant community that played a central role in the cultural, intellectual, and civic life of Vilnius—long known as the “Jerusalem of Lithuania.”
Among its most significant branches is the Holocaust Exhibition on Pamenkalnio Street, a site of profound historical and moral importance. Established in 1991 by Holocaust survivors themselves, it was the first Holocaust exhibition in Lithuania and across the Baltic states, created at a moment when public acknowledgement of Jewish suffering and Nazi crimes was only beginning to re-emerge after decades of Soviet suppression. From its inception, the exhibition has stood as both a survivor-driven act of testimony and a cornerstone of Holocaust education in the region.
The Gens Family Project is honored to partner with the Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History in a shared effort to preserve this irreplaceable space. Our collaboration is rooted in a common commitment: to protect authentic historical sites, to uphold survivor-led memory, and to ensure that Jewish history in Lithuania is presented with accuracy, dignity, and moral clarity for future generations.
The following letter from the Vilna Gaon Museum outlines the urgent need to restore and safeguard the Holocaust Exhibition building. This fundraising effort represents not only a vital preservation project, but a joint investment in historical truth, education, and the continued fight against antisemitism and distortion of the past.
The Holocaust Exhibition on Pamenkalnio Street, a branch of the Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History in Vilnius, Lithuania, holds a significant place in history. Opening in June 1991, it was the first Holocaust exhibition not only in Lithuania but also in the entire Baltic states, arranged initially by Holocaust survivors themselves.
There have been plans for quite some time to establish a new Holocaust Museum in the former ghetto library, but these plans have not yet been implemented. It is unclear how these plans will unfold, but they will take a considerable amount of time. In the meantime, the current building is in a very poor condition and requires urgent renovation.
Decades of neglect have left the structure with severely degraded exterior walls and failing infrastructure. This is more than just a maintenance issue; it threatens the very existence of a vital space dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and education. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the functioning of the current building as soon as possible and to preserve the efforts of Holocaust survivors.
This is not only a matter of aesthetics; it’s a critical issue of preservation and respect. A building in such poor condition sends an unfortunate and misleading message about the value we place on remembering this history. Immediate, comprehensive renovation is essential to create a space worthy of the history it contains.
Renovating this Holocaust exhibition is therefore an investment not just in the past, but in our present and future—ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust remain clear, compelling, and effective in fostering tolerance and preventing the recurrence of hatred. It is necessary to equip new generations with the knowledge to recognize and resist antisemitism. In an era where historical truth is frequently challenged and distorted, this building serves as a tangible, evidence-based educational tool.
Your contribution can help fund the essential repairs and renovations needed to secure the building’s future and keep this important exhibition open to the public. Our immediate goal is to raise at least €100,000 to complete critical infrastructure work, such as exterior wall repair and other urgent foundational projects. Once we have collected a larger sum, we will be able to renovate the interior. Your contribution will directly fund these efforts. Any amount you can give will be profoundly appreciated. We kindly ask for your assistance in securing the continued functionality of this vital Holocaust exhibition.
Gens Family Project has partnered with the Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History in Vilnius, Lithuania to fundraise money for this restoration. All donations will be used for the restoration of this Holocaust Museum. For alternative methods of payment, please contact us at info@gensfamily.org.
Gens Family Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization recognized by the IRS. We will send you a receipt once your donation is received.