For more photos of the Bench and event, click here
[New York, NY] – In a powerful demonstration of the growing global impact of climate change, the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust and the Battery Park City Authority today unveiled “The Copenhagen Bench” in Battery Park City during Climate Week 2024. This installation, created in partnership with the Danish Consulate General of Denmark in New York to illustrate the projected rise in sea levels by the year 2100, brings an iconic piece of Danish culture to New York City as a striking reminder of the realities of global warming.
The Copenhagen Bench, a fixture in Denmark since 1888, has been rebuilt and elevated by one meter (3.28 feet), symbolizing the sea-level rise predicted in the latest UN Climate Report if global warming continues unchecked. Situated in Battery Park City, a community undergoing significant flood prevention projects, the bench reflects the urgency of addressing climate change to protect coastal cities worldwide.
As part of the Museum’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues of our time, the unveiling of this installation during Climate Week 2024 reinforces the Museum’s dedication to fostering conversations that link the past with the challenges of today and tomorrow.
The elevated bench was created by the Danish broadcasting company, TV 2 Denmark, to visually illustrate climate change, making it easier to understand.
“This bench serves as a powerful reminder that climate change is not a future problem—it’s a present reality. As we witness rising sea levels and more frequent flooding events, particularly here in Battery Park City, we must recognize the critical need for collective action. At the Museum of Jewish Heritage, we stand committed to raising awareness of the issues that affect all of humanity, from the lessons of history to the urgent call to protect our planet,” said Jack Kliger, President and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.
“The Copenhagen Bench illustrates what rising sea levels mean for cities like New York, where the impacts of climate change are already felt. Battery Park City’s resilience efforts are commendable, but we must push for national and international climate policies to ensure the survival of coastal cities,” said Bruce Ratner, Chairman of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
The installation of “The Copenhagen Bench – 2100 Edition” marks a collaborative effort between Danish broadcaster TV 2 Denmark (which originally created the bench), C40 Cities, the Danish Consulate in New York, and the Grundfos Foundation. It is one of 12 benches placed in major cities around the world to highlight the impact of rising sea levels on urban areas.
“We are proud to be part of bringing the Copenhagen Bench to a wider audience here in New York City. The bench is an iconic example of not just Danish design and culture, but also of the important dialogue and actions necessary in the fight for a sustainable future,” said Ambassador Helle Meinertz, Consul General of Denmark in New York.
“We gifted the bench to New York City in connection with the UN Water conference in March 2023 to highlight that climate change and the global water crisis are two closely knit problems which we must address together as a global community. The Battery Park location overlooking the Hudson Bay is well chosen, since the river ecosystem is burdened by increased rains, storms, and sewage overflows,” said Kim Nøhr Skibsted, CEO of the Grundfos Foundation.
The installation serves as a poignant reminder that local resilience measures are vital, and that global climate action is imperative. The Battery Park City Authority has undertaken two interrelated resiliency projects as part of the Lower Manhattan Costal Resiliency (LMCR) Project to protect Battery Park City – including the Museum of Jewish Heritage – and the Lower Manhattan coast from the threats of storm surge and sea level rise.
“The Battery Park City Authority is honored to work with the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust to protect their building and irreplaceable collection from the dire risks wrought by climate change. The Copenhagen Bench serves to remind us of its urgency and impact, and we are pleased to partner with the Museum and the Consul General of Denmark in New York on this striking and timely installation,” said BPCA President & CEO Raju Mann.
“I am honored to support the installation of the Danish Bench at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, a powerful symbol of resilience and a reminder of the urgent need to address the climate crisis. Lower Manhattan, much like cities around the world, faces an increasing threat from rising sea levels and environmental degradation. This project, in collaboration with the Danish Consulate and BPCA, highlights not only the need to protect our environment but also the importance of safeguarding our cultural heritage. As we look to the future, it is essential that we take bold action to ensure that future generations can continue to thrive in this vibrant city,” said New York City Council Member Christopher Marte, who represents the district.
The bench is strategically placed on the Museum’s third-floor patio, adjacent to the Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark exhibition, which tells the story of how Danish citizens banded together during World War II to save the majority of Denmark’s Jewish population from Nazi persecution. Just as the Danish people courageously faced a moral crisis, this bench calls on today’s citizens to confront the global challenge of climate change. Its location not only provides a striking view of New York Harbor—a symbol of the city’s vulnerability to rising sea levels—but also links the bravery of the past with the pressing need for action today.
This installation underscores the Museum of Jewish Heritage’s ongoing commitment to not only inform but also educate the public about critical global issues. Through exhibitions like Courage to Act and the installation of the Copenhagen Bench, the Museum creates connections between historical lessons and contemporary challenges, encouraging visitors to reflect on their responsibility in shaping a more sustainable future. The Museum’s diverse programming fosters a deeper understanding of history while equipping visitors with knowledge and tools to make impactful decisions in today’s world.
The exhibition is one of many new initiatives the Museum has been introducing to focus on its core mission of education, which include the Museum’s Antisemitism FAQ Educator Resource, the expansion of its Holocaust Educator School Partnership, and the upcoming video installation, Survivor Stories: An Interactive Dialogue – which will use artificial intelligence to allow visitors to interact with 10 Holocaust survivors.
Of special note, New York students who begin visiting the Museum through its groundbreaking new Holocaust Education School Tours program for all public and charter school 8th graders will have the opportunity to experience Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark as well as other exhibitions, the recently launched Speaking Up! Confronting Hate Speech, and The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do. This $2.5 million initiative — funded in part by the Gray Foundation’s Mindy and Jon Gray — is being offered entirely free of charge to schools and will allow the Museum to serve over 85,000 students over three years.