Museum opens at former Czech factory where Oskar Schindler saved 1,200 Jews

BRNENEC, Czech Republic — A neglected industrial site in the Czech Republic with a rich history of survival and resilience is undergoing a transformation. This former textile factory in Brněnec, once a concentration camp under Nazi rule, has been reborn as the Museum of Survivors, honoring the memory of Oskar Schindler and the 1,200 Jews he saved during World War II.

The opening of the museum coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and pays tribute to Schindler’s courageous actions. The museum showcases the stories of Schindler, his wife Emilie, the Löw-Beer family, and other individuals connected to the region, alongside the testimonies of Holocaust survivors.

Daniel Löw-Beer, a descendant of the Löw-Beer family, spearheaded the project to restore the site and create a space for remembrance and education. The museum features exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, and concerts, offering visitors a chance to learn about the complex history of the area.

The museum’s design includes a transparent glass wall symbolizing the divide between the present and the past, inviting visitors to reflect on the enduring legacy of survival and hope. Löw-Beer emphasizes the universal message of the museum, stating, “We want those stories to be told and people to make their own opinions.”

The creation of the Museum of Survivors was made possible through the efforts of the Arks Foundation, which acquired the warehouse and initiated the restoration process. With support from the regional government and a grant from the European Union, the foundation engaged with the local community and international partners to bring the project to fruition.

While the official opening marks a significant milestone, there are ongoing efforts to fully restore the remaining buildings on the site. Plans include transforming Schindler’s office into an information center, creating more exhibition spaces in the SS barracks, and preserving Schindler’s Ark where Jewish prisoners lived and worked.

The Museum of Survivors stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of remembrance. Through education and outreach, the museum aims to ensure that the stories of Oskar Schindler, the Löw-Beer family, and all those who endured hardship during World War II are never forgotten.