BECK London were honoured to deliver the fit-out of the new Holocaust Galleries at the Imperial War Museum (IWM), creating a powerful and lasting space for education and reflection. Located on Level 2, the 1,300 sqm exhibition was brought to life through a major reconstruction and refurbishment of the museum’s former cinema and surrounding areas.

The galleries ensure that the Holocaust is understood as a tragedy that happened to ordinary people, not just a distant, black-and-white past. The space is intentionally bright, reinforcing that the six million lives lost were not taken in darkness. Work began off-site in August 2019, with completion in July 2021. Our team meticulously crafted and installed plinths, graphic displays, custom metalwork, new flooring, interactive elements, and the delicate reconstruction of a train carriage from the museum’s previous Holocaust Exhibition.

The project unfolded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring remote sample approvals and adapted site procedures to comply with national safety restrictions. Despite these challenges, our team remained steadfast in delivering a gallery that meets the highest standards of craftsmanship, sensitivity, and historical accuracy.

The Holocaust Galleries house over 2,000 photographs, books, artworks, and personal objects, including jewellery, clothing, toys, and letters—telling the individual stories of those who were murdered. Every aspect of the gallery’s design, layout, and audiovisual elements supports visitor engagement with this sensitive content in a meaningful and impactful way.

This project was an emotional and educational journey for our team. We developed new techniques to ensure the galleries deliver the impact needed to prevent these events from fading from memory. As the last Holocaust survivors pass away, these galleries will continue to tell their stories for the next 15-20 years, ensuring future generations understand and remember this dark chapter in history. We are proud to have played a role in creating a space dedicated to education, remembrance, and reflection.