ANU: A Museum Reborn - Compact Case

Beit Hatfutsot opened in 1978 – a trailblazer in multimedia exhibits – it told the historic story of the Jewish people culminating in the return to Israel. Over the years, the exhibits aged, particularly the technology, and the story was insufficiently broad to encapsulate Jewish life outside of Israel. Visitor numbers dropped and, by 2003, permanent closure seemed inevitable. The museum needed a complete turnaround.The cases explore the strategic transformation of Beit Hatfutsot into ANU-Museum of the Jewish People that took place between 2005 and 2021. They provide rich insights into strategic renewal, change leadership, governance, stakeholder management and non-profit fundraising, highlight the leadership, fundraising, and organisational challenges encountered during ANU’s revival.The cases follow Chairwoman Irina Nevzlin and CEO Dan Tadmor as they navigate a decade-long journey to reimagine and rebuild the museum. Through complex board dynamics, leadership clashes, funding hurdles, cultural tensions, and identity, the case raises essential questions about the role of leadership and vision in institutional reinvention.