Centro Di Documentazione Ebraica Contemporanea.

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and later becoming a not-for-profit foundation, the CDEC has played a vital role in collecting testimonies, archiving historical documents, and fostering education around Jewish heritage and the legacy of the Shoah.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)

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.

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.

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.