Museum’s Next Steps Max Dunbar has stepped down from his position as Chief Executive at Manchester Jewish Museum after ten years of successful fundraising for the building. Chief of Trustees Andrew Singer also chaired his final trustee meeting back in October, joining Max in moving on after supporting the museum for over 14 years.
Together Max and Andrew oversaw a £6 million redevelopment of the museum that included a full restoration of the museum’s synagogue, now considered a highlight of Victorian Gothic architecture, and introduced a new gallery, gift shop, and learning studio.
The museum, which originally opened in 1984, is now regarded as an organisation of national importance that draws in thousands of visitors and holds over 31,000 items documenting the story of Jewish settlement in Manchester.
Max Dunbar will move onto the development team at the University of Manchester to support the fundraising for other major cultural institutions including Manchester Library and Whitworth Art Gallery. Commenting on his departure, he said: “It feels like the right time to step aside and let someone new lead this incredible organisation into the future. It has been a privilege to lead the museum during its transformation and through such an important period of its history.
“I want to express my profound gratitude to most of all the staff and volunteers at the museum. They have all shaped what the museum is today and made us an invaluable and rich contribution to the culture of this great city.”