DENMARK - Scandinavia - page 151

Visiting the Museum: Frankly, the architecture overshadows the humble
exhibits. Libeskind—who created the equally conceptual Jewish Museum in
Berlin, and whose design is the basis for redeveloping the World Trade Center
site in New York City—has literally written Jewish culture into this building.
The floor plan, a seemingly random squiggle, is actually in the shape of the
Hebrew characters for Mitzvah , which loosely translated means “act of kind-
ness.”
Be sure to watch the two introductory films about the Jews' migration to
Denmark, and about the architect Libeskind (12-minute loop total, English
subtitles, plays continuously). As you tour the collection, the uneven floors
andasymmetrical walls give youthe feeling that what lies aroundthe corner is
completely unknown...much like the life and history of Danish Jews. Another
interpretation might be that the uneven floors give you the sense of motion,
like waves on the sea—a reminder that despite Nazi occupation in 1943,
nearly7,000DanishJewswereferriedacrossthewavesbyfishermentosafety
in neutral Sweden.
Near the Strøget
Round Tower —Built in 1642 by Christian IV, the tower connects a church,
library, and observatory (the oldest functioning observatory in Europe) with a
ramp that spirals up to a fine view of Copenhagen (though the view from atop
Our Savior's Church is far better—see here ) .