Various browser types were used: manual, such as illuminated, rotating “crystal” with synagogues, covered with documents for independent browsing, hangers with information boards, post-war photo albums and others; - and multimedia, where one can browse and search for additional information on computer screens, e.g. Jewish cemeteries, the most eminent scientists, Jews deported from Gliwice and others. Another way of conveying information is through a number of audio stations, where you can listen to memories about the issues discussed, such as the celebration of Jewish holidays in the XIX century, the times of Nazism and war, or the emigration in 1968. A separate audio experience is provided by synagogue music played in the synagogue section and the sounds of the Katowice Street, where Polish, German and Hebrew are interwoven.
A significant portion of the information was provided on maps, specially prepared in terms of content and graphics for the needs of the exhibition. They present numerous statistical data from various periods from the XIX to the XX century, migrations of both the late XIX century and Nazism, matters of ghettoisation, deportation and the Holocaust, as well as migrations after 1945.
These numerous narrative threads, exhibits and documentation materials, including unique illustrations, as well as audio recordings provide an opportunity for self-study and discovery of unusual stories and curiosities. It also offers the opportunity to address a variety of topics within the framework of guided tours, museum lessons or workshops.
The exhibition is presented in the Upper Silesian Jews House of Remembrance (DPŻG), the newest branch of the Museum in Gliwice, one of five branches, in addition to Caro Villa, Piast Castle, Department of Artistic Foundry and Gliwice Radio Station. The seat of the DPŻG is a former Jewish pre-burial house, located at the cemetery at 14 Poniatowskiego Street. This beautiful and architecturally interesting, neo-Gothic building – one of the largest objects of its kind in Poland – was erected in the years 1902 - 1903 according to the project by Max Fleischer (1841 – 1905), an Austrian architect, and creator of synagogues in Vienna. It consists of three main parts: the representative prayer room - preserved to this day; the former morgue, where the deceased was prepared for burial according to Jewish religious rites - which now houses educational rooms; and the rooms of the guard's apartment - now intended for exhibition rooms.
The more than 100-year-old building was renovated in the years 2013-2015 by the City of Gliwice, and in 2016 it was handed over for use by the Museum in Gliwice. The monument rescue activities have been recognised and distinguished in several prestigious competitions: the competition of the Ministry of Culture and the General Conservator of Monuments “Zabytek Zadbany” (Well-maintained Monument), the competition for the Best Public Space in the Silesian province 2016, the Museum Event of the Year Sybilla 2017.
The mission of the Upper Silesian Jews House of Remembrance is to study and commemorate the history of Jews in Upper Silesia and to create a space for meetings devoted to tolerance and coexistence of religions, cultures and nations. Since 2016, many promotion and educational activities have been carried out, such as lectures, workshops, film presentations, etc., as well as temporary exhibitions, and since December 2018, the permanent exhibition described above. Furthermore, a database of information about the Jews of Upper Silesia, the so-called knowledge Treasurer, has been created and research is underway on these issues. Currently, two main series of lectures are being held: “The Trail of Jewish Worlds in Upper Silesia" and "The House of Life and the House of Congregation: about the traditions of Upper Silesian Jews”.
It is an open place for various initiatives and activities, with plenty of possibilities for organising scientific conferences, educational meetings, workshops, presentations and guided tours of the exhibition. An essential complement to the exhibition are the other rooms: the ceremonial hall and the educational room, as well as the cemetery, which are open to visitors during the opening hours of the museum.