Violins of Hope Opening Night

Connecting Hearts Through Strings of Memory

The Putnam Museum & Science Center is honored to host the opening event of Violins of Hope, an internationally acclaimed exhibition that brings restored Holocaust-era instruments, and the stories behind them, to communities around the world. On February 17, guests are invited to experience an unforgettable evening featuring moving performances by the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensemble, who will play select violins from the collection, alongside a special dance performance by Ballet Quad Cities. Free and open to the public with limited seating, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness history brought to life through music, movement, and powerful storytelling.

The Violins of Hope residency, spanning March through April across Iowa, unites museums, orchestras, educators, and cultural organizations to preserve memory and spark meaningful conversations about resilience, tolerance, and human dignity. Featuring 67 restored instruments once played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, this exhibition has touched audiences in major cities around the world- and now, Iowans have the chance to experience its impact firsthand.

Join us at the Putnam on February 17 to be part of this historic moment and to celebrate the enduring power of art, remembrance, and hope.

In Partnership with:
Ballet Quad Cities
Danville Station
Figge Museum
German American Heritage Center
Jewish Federation of Des Moines
Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities
Missing Voices
Pear Advertising
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Sioux City Annual Tolerance Week
Sioux City Symphony
Violins Of Hope

Tuesday, February 17
Event Begins at 7:00 pm