Florida Atlantic University has begun construction on the Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building. The new 22,000-square-foot, two-story facility will house the university’s Holocaust education, Jewish studies, and related programs. It is also intended to serve as a destination in South Florida for visitors interested in learning about the Holocaust through cultural performances, lectures, and exhibits. Construction is scheduled to take about 14 months with an expected opening in fall 2026.
“This is a monumental day, and I know Kurt would be so proud to see this building become a reality,” said Marilyn Wallach. Kurt Wallach died in 2021, one year after he and Marilyn made a $20 million donation to FAU that established the Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Institute for Holocaust and Jewish Studies. Part of that gift was used as the lead contribution for constructing the new building.
“Kurt always said, “We speak for those who cannot speak, and we remember all the victims, including our family members who perished needlessly,” Marilyn Wallach said. “It is our hope that through education we can ensure that lives will be saved, and history will not be repeated.”
The kickoff event drew more than 100 guests, including donors who have contributed additional funds toward the project.
“The work we undertake today will stand as a national model of how a university can lead with principle and act with purpose,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “As some universities across the nation struggle to confront antisemitism, the Wallach building rises from a profound responsibility that calls to us with urgency. We are taking steps to become the safest and most welcoming university for Jewish life in America, and we are honored that Kurt and Marilyn Wallach’s story has become part of our legacy here at Florida Atlantic.”
The building will accommodate several programs within FAU’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters: The Arthur and Emalie Gutterman Family Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education; Holocaust education and Jewish studies programs; the Leon Charney Diplomacy program; and the Center for Peace, Justice and Human Rights.
Permanent exhibits planned include The Craig and Barbara Weiner Holocaust Museum of South Florida at Florida Atlantic University as well as an interactive display called George and Irina Schaeffer Dimensions in Testimony. There will also be space dedicated to quiet reflection—the Marta and Jim Batmasian Memorial Pavilion—honoring victims of both the Holocaust and Armenian genocide.
Other features include a recital/lecture hall, traveling exhibition hall off the main lobby named after Marilyn and Jay Weinberg Grand Lobby; upstairs conference room; student study areas; as well as administrative offices.
“This wonderful building unleashes opportunities for both students and the community who will learn from the past to create a better world for the future,” said Michael Horswell, Ph.D., dean of Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters. “We are indebted to Kurt and Marilyn for their transformational lead gift to the building—and to all generous benefactors who have linked arms with us—to make Florida Atlantic an epicenter of Holocaust & human rights education.”
For further information regarding this project or related programming at FAU contact Laurie Carney at 561-297-3606 or lcarney@fau.edu.
