Archives concerning the Mémorial National des Martyrs Juifs de Belgique

Collection

Reference number:: JM-Brussels-Fonds Mémorial National des Martyrs Juifs de Belgique

Title:: Archives concerning the Mémorial National des Martyrs Juifs de Belgique

Title (official language):: Fonds Mémorial National des Martyrs Juifs de Belgique

Scope and content:: This fonds contains plans and archival material of the architect André Godart, produced in the context of the construction of the memorial in remembrance of the Jewish martyrs of Belgium. We also find correspondence, bookkeeping records and models of the project proposals.

Administrative/biographical history:: The initiative to build a memorial in remembrance of the Jewish martyrs of Belgium primarily originated with Maurice Pioro and David Susskind. Having raised the funds necessary for its construction, the monument was built by the Belgian architect André Godart. The Mémorial National des Martyrs Juifs de Belgique, situated on the square des Martyrs juifs, on the corner of the rue Émile Carpentier and the rue des Goujons in Anderlecht (Brussels), was inaugurated on 19 April 1970. It was classified as a listed monument in 2003 and a thorough renovation project is ongoing, led by the architect Isidore Zielonka. The president of the Fondation Mémorial is Claude Marinower, replacing Joseph Komkommer. Maurice Pioro was the president and long-time backbone of the Fondation for the French-speaking side. At present Micha Eisenstorg holds the function of treasurer. (G. Kamps, "Rénovation du Mémorial: la clé de la survie?", in Regards, November 1, 2011; "Conférence d’Isidore Zielonka", CCLJ, May 31, 2012.)

Subject terms:: Architectural drawings; Architecture; Commemoration; Holocaust; Monuments and memorials; Professions; Professions--Engineers

Access, restrictions:: Access requires the authorisation of the archivist of the Jewish Museum of Belgium.

Finding aids:: There is a preliminary inventory of the Jewish Museum of Belgium.