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home > Dossin Barracks > the future
The Future
Over the years the JMDR has extended its reputation both nationally and internationally as a museum par excellence. However with now more than 30.000 visitors per annum the facilities that we can offer are totally inadequate. Following an impulse given by Patrick Dewael, former Flemish Minister-President, in 2001, a plan was drawn up to increase the capacity of the museum. A feasibility study was made and the conclusions were positive. On 22nd June 2001 the Flemish Government gave its approval in principal to the basic concept of enlarging and modernising the museum.
A new ‘Holocaust Museum’ in Belgium appears to be a very sensitive issue. Those responsible are well aware that they are treading on thin ice and that they should develop a project which will cater for the aspirations of all factions of our society. Meanwhile the Flemish Government has purchased the rest of frontal façade of the building and the former city gaol on the other side of the street. The name of the new museum has already been decided upon i.e. Kazerne Dossin, Museum, Archief en Studiecentrum over Holocaust en Schendingen van Mensenrechten (The Dossin Barracks, Museum, Archive and Study Center for the Holocaust and the Violation of Human Rights). Meanwhile negotiations between the Flemish Government, the City of Mechelen, the Province of Antwerp, the JMDR, architects… are continuing.
Former city goal
jmdv@telenet.be