Libeskind to Transform Auschwitz Commandant's House into Research Center
The Auschwitz Research Center on Hate, Extremism, and Radicalization (ARCHER) will be designed by Daniel Libeskind's Studio Libeskind at the former Commandant's House in Oświęcim, Poland, adjacent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. This house, which featured in Jonathan Glazer's Oscar-winning film The Zone of Interest (2023), served as the residence for Nazi officer Rudolf Höss from 1941 until 1944. Set to open on January 27, 2025, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau's liberation, it was acquired by the Counter Extremism Project in the summer of 2024. The renovation will maintain significant architectural features. Additionally, Studio Libeskind will update Block 17 at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum for a permanent exhibition focusing on the Holocaust in Yugoslavia, aiming to create a space dedicated to knowledge and remembrance.
Key facts
- Daniel Libeskind to design Auschwitz Research Center on Hate, Extremism, and Radicalization (ARCHER) at former Commandant's House in Oświęcim, Poland.
- The house was the set for Jonathan Glazer's Oscar-winning film The Zone of Interest (2023).
- The building was opened to the public for the first time on January 27, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau's liberation.
- The Counter Extremism Project purchased the house in summer 2024.
- The renovation will preserve exterior walls and main architectural elements.
- Studio Libeskind will also renovate Block 17 (Yugoslav pavilion) at Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum for a permanent exhibition on the Holocaust in Yugoslavia.
- ARCHER will feature a gallery on art's role in countering extremism and a permanent exhibition of musical scores from concentration camps collected by Francesco Lotoro.
- Libeskind previously designed the Jewish Museum Berlin, Contemporary Jewish Museum San Francisco, and the National Holocaust Memorial in Amsterdam (2021).
Entities
Artists
- Daniel Libeskind
- Jonathan Glazer
- Rudolf Höss
- Henri Lustiger Thaler
- Francesco Lotoro
Institutions
- Studio Libeskind
- Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
- Counter Extremism Project
- Jewish Museum Berlin
- Contemporary Jewish Museum San Francisco
- National Holocaust Memorial Amsterdam
Locations
- Oświęcim
- Poland
- Auschwitz-Birkenau
- Berlin
- San Francisco
- Amsterdam
- Jugoslavia