Jewish museum in Shanghai to be expanded

The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum will be expanded later this year, according to Chen Jian, director of the museum.

Following the completion of the expansion project next year, the museum will occupy 4,000 square meters, up from the current 900 sq m, and include new function halls and educational facilities. Two neighboring historical buildings will also become part of the museum complex.

"If the project goes smoothly as planned, we will be able to celebrate the new museum opening in the first half of 2020," Chen said on Wednesday.

Chen added that museum will be closed during certain phases of the project.

Shanghai's Hongkou area was home to a Jewish community as early as the late 19th century. During World War II, more than 20,000 European Jews sought refuge in Shanghai and lived in the area.

In 2008, the Hongkou district restored the Moishe Synagogue as a memorial museum. Visitor numbers at the museum have been growing since.