Tree of Life museum campus designs revealed
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Rendering of inside the upgraded sanctuary on the Tree of Life campus. Image: Courtesy of Studio Libeskind
Final designs were recently unveiled for the Tree of Life's museum and campus dedicated to ending antisemitism and honoring a local tragedy.
Why it matters: The campus of the Squirrel Hill synagogue experienced the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history nearly seven years ago when 11 congregants were killed in a mass shooting.
- Organizers of the campus want to turn that tragedy into a place for learning, advocacy and community.
Diving the news: Tree of Life revealed designs last week from Studio Libeskind and local firm IKM Architecture for the reimagined campus.
- They include a 300-seat, state-of-the-art sanctuary/theater that maintains the historic stained-glass window of the synagogue and offers space for both religious and cultural programming.
- An exhibition space, classrooms, a garden and a social hall are also planned.
Context: The campus at the corner of Wilkins and Shady avenues has sat empty since the Oct. 27, 2018, shooting.
- The project has gone through multiple iterations before settling on final designs with a smaller footprint.
By the numbers: $46 million has been raised so far for the project from local donations, state and federal grants and private groups like the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the Heinz Endowments, according to a press release.
What's next: Construction is slated to start next year.
- The goal is to have the building open for the Jewish High Holidays in fall 2027.
- The museum portion is slated to open in 2028.