Centro Di Documentazione Ebraica Contemporanea

Centro di Documentazione Ebraica Contemporanea (CDEC) Milan: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Centro di Documentazione Ebraica Contemporanea (CDEC) in Milan is Italy’s preeminent institution for the study and preservation of Jewish history, the Holocaust (Shoah), and the ongoing fight against anti-Semitism. Established in 1955 and later becoming a not-for-profit foundation, the CDEC has played a vital role in collecting testimonies, archiving historical documents, and fostering education around Jewish heritage and the legacy of the Shoah. Today, it stands at the heart of Milan’s cultural landscape, inviting visitors to explore its extensive archives, innovative digital resources, and impactful educational initiatives. (Centro di Documentazione Ebraica Contemporanea (CDEC) Visiting Hours, History, and Visitor Information, Centro di Documentazione Ebraica Contemporanea (CDEC) Milan: Visiting Hours, Collections & Digital Resources)

Introduction
Historical Background and Institutional Development
Visiting the CDEC: Location, Hours, and Tickets
Exhibitions, Archives, and Digital Resources
Educational Programs and Community Engagement
Accessibility and Visitor Support
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Further Engagement
References

Historical Background and Institutional Development

Early Foundations and Growth

Founded in 1955 by the Italian Jewish Youth Federation in Venice, the CDEC began as a response to the urgent need to document Jewish life in Italy and the traumas of the Holocaust. Its initial mission was to collect documents on anti-Semitic persecution and the role of Jews in the Resistance. By 1986, the center had grown into a formal not-for-profit foundation, broadening its remit to include contemporary Jewish life, research, and public education.

Structural Evolution and Modernization

In 1992, the CDEC’s archives were officially recognized as being of national historical importance. The institution is structured into key departments: Historical Research, Didactics, the Observatory on Anti-Semitism, Archives & Library, and Media Library. Over the years, the CDEC has expanded its archival holdings, published scholarly works, and inaugurated a state-of-the-art headquarters at the Memoriale della Shoah di Milano, attended by national dignitaries such as Senator Liliana Segre.

Leadership and Impact

Under directors like Michele Sarfatti and Gadi Luzzatto Voghera, the CDEC has become a leader in Holocaust research, Jewish studies, and anti-Semitism monitoring. Its open-access journal “QUEST” and innovative digital projects foster international scholarly exchange and public awareness.

Visiting the CDEC: Location, Hours, and Tickets

Location and Contact

Current Headquarters: Memoriale della Shoah di Milano, Piazza Edmond J. Safra, 1, Milan, Italy
Archival and Library Address: Via Eupili 8, Milan
Official Website: https://www.cdec.it/

Opening Hours

Memoriale della Shoah Headquarters:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed Sundays and Mondays
Archival/Library Access (Via Eupili):
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Closed Sundays and Mondays
  Please verify hours for holidays and special events on the official website.

Ticketing and Booking

Admission: Free for individuals and groups.
Guided Tours & Workshops: May require prior booking and a fee; check with the CDEC for details.
Archive Consultation: By appointment only; book in advance via the website or by contacting staff.

Exhibitions, Archives, and Digital Resources

Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions

The CDEC features both permanent displays and rotating exhibitions highlighting:

The Shoah in Italy
Jewish life from the 19th century to the present
The history of anti-Semitism and civil rights struggles

Exhibitions are complemented by multimedia resources, survivor testimonies, and curated digital content.

Archival Collections

Historical Archives

Personal and Community Records: Diaries, letters, and community documents chronicling Jewish life and persecution.
Official Documents: Government records, police reports, and papers related to fascist and Nazi-era policies.
Testimonies: Oral histories and first-person accounts from survivors and witnesses.
(MilanoAttraverso)

Photographic and Audio-Visual Archives

Extensive photographic collections documenting Jewish families, religious life, and the impact of WWII.
Videoteca with interviews, documentaries, and educational films.

Library and Bibliographic Resources

Over 30,000 volumes and periodicals on Jewish history, culture, and the Holocaust.
Open to scholars, students, and general visitors.

Digital Initiatives

Open Memory Project

Integrates and publishes archival and library materials online using Linked Open Data.
Searchable Shoah victims’ database and unified access to all collections. (Open Memory Project, EADH)

CDEC Digital Library

Digitized documents and photographs, most under Creative Commons license.
User-friendly navigation with advanced research tools. (CDEC Digital Library)

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

Holocaust Education

The CDEC is a national leader in Holocaust education, developing teaching resources, running seminars, and organizing the “I giovani ricordano la Shoah” student competition. Teacher training programs and public lectures support broader community engagement.
(scuolaememoria.it, Yad Vashem PDF)

Monitoring Contemporary Anti-Semitism

The Observatory on Anti-Semitism collects and analyzes data on hate crimes and prejudice, supporting public awareness and policy initiatives.

Community Events

The CDEC hosts commemorations, exhibitions, lectures, and cultural activities, fostering dialogue between communities and generations.

Accessibility and Visitor Support

Wheelchair Accessibility: Both the headquarters and archival sites are accessible.
Assistance: Visitors with special needs should contact staff in advance for support.
Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages and tailored for schools, groups, and individuals.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Memoriale della Shoah di Milano: Located at the same address, commemorating Holocaust victims.
Sinagoga Centrale: The city’s historic synagogue nearby.
Milan Landmarks: Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Museo del Novecento are within walking distance.
Public Transport: Easily accessible via metro and bus; check directions on the CDEC website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the CDEC’s visiting hours?
A: Main headquarters: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–18:00, Saturday 10:00–17:00; archival site: Tuesday–Friday 9:30–17:30, Saturday 10:00–14:00. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, general admission is free. Some special events or guided tours may require a fee.

Q: How do I book a tour or archive visit?
A: Use the official website, email, or phone to book in advance.

Q: Is the CDEC accessible to people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the facilities are fully accessible.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, multilingual guides are available by request.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Photography is permitted in designated areas. Please consult staff for specific guidelines.

Conclusion and Further Engagement

Visiting the Centro di Documentazione Ebraica Contemporanea in Milan offers a unique opportunity to engage with the profound history of Italian Jewry, the Shoah, and the ongoing struggle against anti-Semitism. The CDEC’s free admission, comprehensive collections, and commitment to education make it an essential stop for anyone interested in history, human rights, or cultural memory. To maximize your visit:

Book guided tours in advance
Explore digital archives online
Combine your visit with nearby heritage sites
Stay informed about upcoming events via the CDEC website and social media channels

For enhanced experiences and audio guides, consider downloading the Audiala app. Your engagement not only enriches your understanding but also supports the ongoing mission of remembrance and education.