CASUA is the author of the permanent exhibition of this valuable historical artifact in the Hall of the Chamber of Deputies

The exhibition was designed by Oleg Haman, M.Arch., and Michal Rydlo, M.Arch. We launched the project in December 2025, when we conducted a detailed survey of the Dvorana space. The conceptual design was completed in January, approved at the end of that month, and we initiated a tender process to select a contractor. For the construction of the display case, we selected CULTURAL GLASS, a company specializing in the design, manufacture, and installation of museum display cases. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, including international projects, they created a unique three-part display case with a central hinged opening for easy access to the scroll.

Tomáš Machek from the Side2 design studio took on the graphic design, and once again we witnessed a perfect collaboration between an architect and an artist. Oleg Haman commented on the conceptual design: “In the original design, we had planned to use illustrative Hebrew script, but we realized that any selected text would seem out of place next to a historical artifact.” Tomáš Machek thus utilized the Star of David, which he “shattered” into thousands of pieces as a symbol of the disruption of communities, the breakdown of families, and the interruption of traditions. On the supplementary information plaque, located on the column directly opposite the Torah, he reassembles the individual shards into the shape of a star. In doing so, he enhances the architectural intent through semantic meaning and elevates the entire design to a higher level. The glass, together with the striking backlighting around the entire perimeter of the display case—which works with light reflected from the wall—creates a striking visual spectacle. Michal Rydlo commented on the project: “The Torah exhibition in the Chamber of Deputies—a unique combination that exists nowhere else in the world. It was a task requiring respect and humility, because the Torah itself is a very powerful symbol. It was necessary to design the display with dignity, without unnecessary ostentation, additional gestures, or anything distracting, and to let the Torah speak for itself.”

As we mentioned at the beginning, the exhibition was officially unveiled on the occasion of the significant day of Yom HaShoah. Oleg Haman also delivered the opening remarks at the event. The most moving part of the event was undoubtedly the performance by a survivor, a former child prisoner from the Terezín camp, who sang the Terezín anthem, as well as the children’s version—“Everything is possible if you want it...” We wanted it, and the overall result is proof of that. “The reaction of all event participants to the exhibition’s presentation was positive. I was pleasantly surprised. It’s rare for everyone to be so enthusiastic and for you to encounter only positive reactions.” And Michal Rydlo adds: “The power of the Torah as a record of the past was clearly evident during the exhibition’s opening ceremony. Based on the initial reactions, we believe we’ve succeeded in finding the right format.”

My colleagues and I are planning a joint excursion to Dvorany, and we will definitely prepare a short report on it.