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Manchester Jewish Museum reopens after £6m refurb

JOEL CHESTER FILDES Manchester Jewish Museum synagogueJOEL CHESTER FILDES
The building is the only Jewish museum in the UK outside London

A Jewish museum housed within a 1874 Grade II* listed synagogue building has reopened after a two-year transformation.

Manchester Jewish Museum has doubled in size, creating a new gallery containing more than 31,000 artefacts.

It launched with an installation from Turner Prize-winning artist Laure Prouvost for Manchester International Festival.

Museum boss Max Dunbar said the renovation had been "a labour of love".

Philip Vile Manchester Jewish Museum synagoguePhilip Vile
During its renovation, a hidden time capsule dating back to the 1870s was found
Joel Chester Fildes Manchester Jewish MuseumJoel Chester Fildes
The museum underwent an extension doubling its size

During its £6m renovation, a hidden time capsule dating back to the 1870s was found within the Cheetham Hill building's walls.

It is the only UK Jewish museum based outside London.

Joel Chester Fildes Manchester Jewish MuseumJoel Chester Fildes
The museum's new gallery contains more than 31,000 artefacts

The new gallery, kosher-style café and learning studio will embody the stories and culture of Jewish people, staff said.

This includes Laure Prouvost's film inspired by stories from women who attended the former synagogue.

Mr Dunbar said it had taken a decade of planning and he was "so proud" to "create a space for dialogue".

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