The newly transformed Jewish Museum London in Camden Town has opened to the public following a two-year, £10 million refurbishment project.

Visitors to the museum will be able to experience life in the Jewish East End at the turn of the 20th century; smell chicken soup in a typical immigrant kitchen; ask different Rabbis their views on issues of faith and ethics; devise different kinds of synagogues; have their photo taken by renowned wedding photographer Boris Bennett; hear from a range of contemporary Jewish people talking about their very different lives and see a medieval mikveh (ritual bath) on display for the first time amongst many other things.

Through ground-breaking audio visual displays, hands on exhibits and many personal stories brought to life through objects and photographs, the story of Jewish history, culture and religion will be told in an innovative and compelling way and engage with people of all backgrounds and faiths to explore Jewish heritage and identity as part of the wider story of Britain.

The only museum in London dedicated to a minority group, the museum’s expansion and redevelopment was made possible following a £4.2m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other donations from trusts, funds and individuals.

Displayed across four permanent galleries (triple the previous space), the huge variety of objects, films, photography, hands-on exhibits and personal stories on display will paint a rich and nuanced picture of British Jewish life and religion as well as exploring contemporary social issues around immigration and settlement.