Emotional things

"Gefühlsdinge" (Emotional Things) brings together the emotions and memories of Jewish communities with objects from the museum. In the exhibition, Berlin Jews from 14 countries of origin engage in dialogue with historical objects from the museum's collection.


The stories of these objects were largely lost during the Shoah and the turmoil of wars and crises. The exhibition addresses key questions of memory and belonging. It presents the museum as a vibrant meeting place where past and present collide – and where listening becomes an essential form of communication.


Immerse yourself in the immersive animated film "Verwandlung" (Metamorphosis). Experience the power of objects that connect past, present, and communities. The film invites you to experience the moments, memories, and associations that Berlin's Jews today connect with historical objects from the museum's collection.


What feelings do things evoke?

In six workshops, Jewish Berliners listened to the objects from the museum's collection and responded with their own stories and objects. Because objects are resonating bodies. Their sound and smell, their shape and color speak to us. They build bridges that guide us through fractured history.


Experience the emotions that move Jewish artists and activists today when they come into contact with the objects. Some things evoke pride or affection, anger or fear. These feelings are not passive; they drive and motivate action. Whether positions against the war in Ukraine or against group-based misanthropy such as anti-Semitism and racism – learn about the issues that move Jews.


Experience the destroyed main prayer hall of the New Synagogue in Berlin, now virtually reconstructed. The prayer hall, which had room for 3,200 people before it was damaged in 1943 and blown up in 1958, has been brought to life in the virtual world as a formerly important place for Jews.