Upcoming
AEJM Annual Conference Paris 2025 – Jewish Museums and Democracy
The Association of European Jewish Museums (AEJM) is pleased to announce the Annual Conference 2025, taking place 6–8 July in Paris, generously hosted by the musée d’art et d’histoire du Judaïsme (mahJ).
At a time of increasing societal polarization and challenges to democratic values, the conference invites participants to reflect on how Jewish museums can foster critical thinking, strengthen civic engagement, and remain relevant to diverse audiences.
Under the title “Jewish Museums and Democracy” this year’s conference brings together museum professionals, scholars, and cultural practitioners from across Europe and beyond.
We look forward to welcoming you to Paris!
Program
The annual Conference of the Association of Jewish Museums in Paris focuses on the promises of the French Revolution and the emancipation of Jews in Europe at the end of the 18th century and reflects on the impact of Jewish museums with regard to the precarious status of ‘liberté, egalité, fraternité’ in society.
In France, since the early 19th century, Jews have actively contributed to the building of the Republic through an exemplary process of integration. Nowadays, France is home to the largest Jewish community in Europe, and in some respects, Paris can be considered a “Jewish city.” While Jews in France are remarkably integrated and do not face any legal discrimination, the country has, since the 1980s, experienced the highest number of Islamist attacks in Europe, in which Jews have been particularly targeted.
The upcoming overhaul of the mahJ’s permanent exhibition (2027–2030) provides an opportunity to reflect, beyond the evocation of Jewish history and life, on the role of Jewish museums in relation to these developments: the promises, achievements, and threats to democracy in times of rising “illiberal” or even dictatorial evolutions, the return of war, and rising anti-Semitism in Europe.
The program includes:
- Plenary sessions addressing museum transformation, democratic values, contemporary art, and the impact of societal polarization
- Professional sessions and workshops focused on collecting, curating, and professional development
- Keynote speeches and project presentations addressing current topics and new projects from the field
- Networking opportunities and social activities
Registration
Registration is now open and will close on June 17 at 11:59 PM CET.
We have compiled a list of recommended hotels for the conference. To receive the information, please contact us at registration@aejm.org
Pricing
Regular tickets are available for €150.00 – excl. VAT
AEJM Member Tickets:
- 1–2 delegates: €125.00 each – excl. VAT
- 3–4 delegates: €150.00 each – excl. VAT
All registration fees include
- Meals and refreshments as specified in the programme
- Invitation to the conference reception and evening event
- Conference bag
- Complimentary entry to the mahJ for the duration of the conference
Conference Travel Grant
Jewish heritage professionals who require financial assistance to attend the conference are encouraged to check their eligibility for funding from the Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe (RFHE).
Full details and application instructions are available here: rothschildfoundation.eu
