The Joseph Bau House Museum, dedicated to the legacy of Holocaust survivor and artist, is launching a critical fundraising campaign to secure its future.
The Tel-Aviv based museum currently operates in rented space within Bau’s original art studio, which was established in 1960. However, the museum must relocate due to the sale and impending demolition of the building. Now organizers are undertaking a fundraising effort to ensure the future of the museum.
During the Holocaust, Bau forged documents that saved hundreds of lives in the Kraków ghetto and the Plaszow concentration camp, acts of bravery that continued with his work with Oskar Schindler.
As Schindler’s forger, Bau played a critical role in saving more than 1,200 Jewish lives. His bravery, along with that of his wife, Rebecca, and their love story were immortalized in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. The couple earned them the prestigious Jewish Rescuers Citation from B’nai B’rith International.
After the Holocaust, Bau became Israel’s first animator and a pioneer in graphic arts, he was also an accomplished painter, poet and author.
As a first step in preserving this unique institution, the museum aims to raise $100,000 to fund a feasibility study led by the internationally renowned museum planning and design firm, Gallagher and Associates to assess potential new locations, develop a comprehensive business plan, and project costs for this next chapter.
Recognized as a “Best of the Best” attraction by TripAdvisor, the Joseph Bau House Museum offers visitors a glimpse into Bau’s life as an artist, hero and innovator. Exhibits include his animated films, original equipment and artwork, along with compelling stories told by his daughters.
“We are at a critical juncture,” says Clila Bau, co-director of the museum with her sister, Hadasa. “Our father’s life story is not just a testament to the resilience of the human spirit—it’s a call to action. In a world still grappling with antisemitism and hatred, preserving his legacy is more urgent than ever. With your support, we can ensure that his courage, creativity and love continue to inspire and educate generations to come.”
Efforts to help the museum with its future come as Republic Pictures/Paramount Picture is set to release a feature film about the rescuer Bau, Artist at War on Jan. 24, 2025. Additionally, Bau’s memoir, with the same title as the film, will be re-released by Blackstone Publishing in February.
Ways to Support the Joseph Bau House Museum:
Donate: To learn more at Joseph Bau donations or P.E.F. Israel Endowment Funds/Friends of Joseph and Rebecca Bau.
Visit: Experience the Joseph Bau House Museum in person or take a virtual tour.
Host a Traveling Exhibition: Bring the Joseph Bau Traveling Exhibition, a collection of more than 40 pieces of his artwork, to your community. More details.
For more visit: Josephbau.org. Contact: Clila Bau and Hadasa Bau, clilabau@gmail.com, josephbau@hotmail.com.