Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum reopens

The Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum, which is a subsidiary of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) has been completely revamped and its official opening has been scheduled for 10:00 am on February 11, 2008, coinciding with the launch of Israel’s Third International Rough Diamond Conference. According to Eli Avidar, IDI Managing Director, “This is the only museum in the world named for Harry Oppenheimer, the founding pillar of the rough diamond industry, who shaped the global rough diamond supply for close to a century.” Explaining the way through the museum, museum designer Eliav Nachlieli mentioned it as a fascinating journey of diamonds “from the depths of the earth to the heart of human being.” Permanent exhibition have been created including artifacts, product and information displays, video segments. A ‘host’ accompanies the visitor on a virtual journey and at each stage of the tour visitors can access additional information on interactive stands. A new space for changing exhibitions has been created in the reworking of the museum. Inaugurating that space will be an exhibition provided by the DTC of the Shining Light Awards Diamond Design Collection for 2006 –2007, which are given every year to the most talented jewellery designer from South Africa.

The museum is located within Israeli Diamond Industry’s complex in Ramat Gan. The opening will be host to ministers from African producing countries, representatives of the Israeli Diamond Industry, while the De Beers Group will be represented by Mr. Gareth Penny, Managing Director of the De Beers Group and Ms. Varda Shine, Managing Director of the DTC.

Shmuel Schnitzer, Chairman of the Board of the museum, called it the most modern museum in the world saying “I am happy that after more than 20 years we have literally created a brand-new museum, well suited to the 21st century.” Avidar added that the opening juxtaposed with the Third International Rough Diamond Conference, was completely befitting, as the event will be focusing on the shifting trends in rough diamond supply.