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The Jewish Museum

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 180 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The Jewish Museum is an excellent destination for tourists interested in Jewish culture, history, and art. Located in New York City, the museum houses a vast collection of more than 30,000 objects, including artworks, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of Jewish life and culture throughout history. Visitors can explore the museum's permanent exhibitions, which showcase Jewish art and history from ancient times to the present day, as well as rotating exhibitions that feature contemporary Jewish artists and their work. The museum also offers a range of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and tours, that provide visitors with opportunities to deepen their understanding of Jewish culture and history. In addition to its impressive collection and educational offerings, the Jewish Museum is housed in a stunning 1908 landmark building that features both contemporary and historic architecture. The museum's design and layout provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors, making it an excellent destination for anyone interested in Jewish history, culture, and art.

1109 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128 Get Directions





The Jewish Museum Videos

The Saul and Gladys Gwirtzman Lecture Watch a conversation between distinguished scholars Dr. Atina Grossmann, Professor of History in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Cooper Union, and Dr. Joseph Sassoon, Professor of History and Politics at Georgetown University and Senior Associate Member at St. Antony’s College, Oxford. They discuss his most recent book, "The Sassoons: The Great Global Merchants and the Making of an Empire" and explore themes of displacement and diaspora in Jewish communities across the Middle East and Central Asia. This talk was presented in person at the Jewish Museum on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Watch an illustrated lecture by Erica Hirshler, Croll Senior Curator of American Paintings, MFA Boston as she explores John Singer Sargent's numerous portrayals of Jewish sitters, contextualizing their artistic achievement and exploring the critical response they received. From his electric portrayals of members of the Wertheimer family to his debonair portrait of Philip Sassoon included in the Jewish Museum's exhibition, "The Sassoons," Sargent's work reveals an aesthetic agenda intertwined with issues of nationality, heritage, and aspiration.

The Saul and Harriet M. Rothkopf Media Program Hear from Jonathan Kaufman, author of "The Last Kings of Shanghai," as he delves into the extraordinary story of the Sassoon and Kadoorie families who stood astride China’s business, politics, and economy for 175 years. This talk was presented in person at the Jewish Museum on Thursday, 8, 2023. This program has been funded by a generous donation endowment from the Saul and Harriet M. Rothkopf Family Foundation.

James L. Weinberg Distinguished Lecture Hear from Esther da Costa Meyer, Professor Emerita, Princeton University as she discusses the fascinating history of the Sassoon family's business empire and their extensive architectural legacy that included hundreds of magnificent buildings ranging from synagogues, hospitals, schools, libraries, and housing for the working classes to a home for senior citizens. These buildings reflect not only the family's entrepreneurial success but also their commitment to civic engagement and cultural philanthropy. This talk was presented in person at the Jewish Museum on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The James L. Weinberg Distinguished Lecture is made possible by the Marshall M. Weinberg Fund, with additional support from Marshall M. Weinberg.

Watch a discussion with Christopher Rothko and Kate Rothko Prizel, moderated by Jewish Museum Curator Stephen Brown on the occasion of the publication of a landmark monograph that allows all aspects of their father Mark Rothko’s career to be heard in full voice, featuring beloved works from major collections as well as never-before-seen canvases and paintings on paper. This talk was presented in person at the Jewish Museum on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

Watch a conversation between family members and co-curators Claudia Nahson and Esther da Costa Meyer, held in conjunction with the opening of "The Sassoons." The exhibition (on view through August 13, 2023) reveals the fascinating story of a remarkable Jewish family, following four generations from Iraq to India, China, and England through a rich selection of works collected by family members over time.

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The Jewish Museum News

Carbonell Awards Reveal Four New Judges For 2024-2025 Theatre Season

The Carbonell Awards have announced four new judges. They will bring the total number of Carbonell judges to 46, including 18 in Broward County, 11 in Miami-Dade, and 17 in Palm Beach County.

ILIT AZOULAY: MERE THINGS Opens At The Jewish Museum In September

The Jewish Museum will present Ilit Azoulay: Mere Things, an exhibition opening on September 13, 2024.

The Jewish Museum Will Transform Half its Public Space to Bring to Life 4,000 Years of Jewish Culture Through Art

The Jewish Museum has announced that it is embarking on a major reinvention of its third and fourth floors, transforming half of the Museum's public space.

Performance Space New York Hosts Chella Man's AUTONOMY, Co-presented With The Jewish Museum

Performance Space New York and the Jewish Museum will co-present the performance of artist, actor, and director Chella Man's Autonomy.

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History To Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month

Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month this May at Philadelphia's Weitzman Museum. Discover the rich cultural contributions of Jewish Americans throughout history.

Ballard Institute To Host AVANT-GARDE AND PROPAGANDA PUPPETRY IN EARLY 20TH-CENTURY GERMANY In April

Explore the world of avant-garde and propaganda puppetry in early 20th-century Germany at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, University of Connecticut.

New York City Center Unveils Two Works By Deborah Kass

New York City Center has unveiled two works by artist Deborah Kass as part of the 80th Season at the Center of the Arts.

What Will the Neighbors Say? to Present World Premiere of THIRD LAW at Culture Lab LIC

What Will the Neighbors Say? and Culture Lab LIC will present the World Premiere of Third Law, an interactive theatrical experience created by What Will the Neighbors Say?. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

The Kitchen to Present the World Premiere of Sacha Yanow's UNCLE! in February

Sacha Yanow's 'Uncle!' at The Kitchen is a world premiere set to be presented in February and March.

Carbonell Awards Add Four New Judges

The Carbonell Awards adds four new judges to its panel, bringing the total number to 42. These judges will evaluate productions at professional theaters across South Florida.

Photographs of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Collars Will Be On View at The Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum presents RBG Collars: Photographs by Elinor Carucci, an installation of two dozen photographs of former US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's collars and necklaces taken by the contemporary photographer Elinor Carucci (Israeli, b. 1971) shortly after Ginsburg's death in 2020.

First Museum Exhibition Honoring Gaby Aghion, Founder of the French Fashion House Chloé, Opens on Friday

The Jewish Museum presents Mood of the moment: Gaby Aghion and the house of Chloé , the first museum exhibition honoring the visionary Jewish entrepreneur Gaby Aghion (1921-2014) and her legacy as the founder of the French fashion house Chloé. Learn more about the exhibit here!

Carbonell Awards Names New Coordinator & Adds Five New Judges For 2023-24 Season

Gary Schweikhart, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida's most highly coveted recognition of theatrical and performance excellence, today announced that Elizabeth Dashiell has joined the nonprofit organization as Carbonell Coordinator for the 2023-2024 season.

Lynn Nottage and Leonard Majzlin Will Be Honored At DGF Gala Hosted By Amber Ruffin

Dramatists Guild Foundation has announced that Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage and Media Producer, Educator and Philanthropist Leonard Majzlin will be honored for their creative contributions, educational mentorship, and continued dedication to the American theater at the organization's annual Gala on October 23, 2023, at Ziegfeld Ballroom. 

The Jewish Museum Appoints James S. Snyder As Helen Goldsmith Menschel Director

The Jewish Museum has announced the appointment of James S. Snyder as its next Helen Goldsmith Menschel Director. He will start at the Museum in November.


The Jewish Museum Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to The Jewish Museum

The closest subway stops to The Jewish Museum at 1109 5th Ave are:

1. 86th Street Station: This station is served by the 4, 5, and 6 trains. It is located at Lexington Avenue and 86th Street. From here, you can take a short walk to the museum.

2. 96th Street Station: This station is served by the 6 train. It is located at Lexington Avenue and 96th Street. From here, you can also take a short walk to the museum.

Both of these subway stations are conveniently located near The Jewish Museum, making it easy to access the museum using public transportation.

While you're in the area, I recommend exploring the nearby Central Park. It's a beautiful and iconic park with many attractions such as the Central Park Zoo, Strawberry Fields, and Belvedere Castle. You can take a leisurely stroll through the park or rent a bike to explore its vast grounds.

For more information on subway updates and schedules, you can visit the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at www.mta.info. This website provides real-time updates on service changes, delays, and other important information to help you navigate the subway system efficiently.

Enjoy your visit to The Jewish Museum and have a great time exploring New York City!


What's the best way to get to The Jewish Museum by bus?

The Jewish Museum, located at 1109 5th Ave in New York City, is conveniently accessible by bus. The closest bus stops to the museum are:

1. Madison Ave/E 92 St: This bus stop is served by the M1, M2, M3, and M4 buses. You can check for updates on bus schedules and routes on the MTA Bus Time website.

2. 5 Av/E 92 St: This bus stop is served by the M1, M2, M3, and M4 buses as well. You can also check for updates on bus schedules and routes on the MTA Bus Time website.

Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit. Enjoy your time at The Jewish Museum!


How much time should I plan to spend at The Jewish Museum?

The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to The Jewish Museum in New York City will depend on your level of interest and the amount of time you have available. However, I would recommend setting aside at least 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the museum and appreciate its diverse collection.

The Jewish Museum offers a rich and extensive display of art, culture, and history related to the Jewish experience. From its permanent collection to its rotating exhibitions, there is much to see and learn. Take your time to immerse yourself in the thought-provoking displays, engage with interactive exhibits, and read the informative descriptions.

If you have a particular interest in a specific exhibition or want to attend any guided tours or programs, it may be worth checking the museum's website in advance to plan your visit accordingly.

Remember, the museum is located in the vibrant Upper East Side neighborhood, so you can also take advantage of nearby attractions such as Central Park or enjoy a leisurely stroll along Museum Mile.

Overall, allocating a few hours to explore The Jewish Museum will ensure you have a fulfilling and enriching experience.


Can I bring food and drinks into The Jewish Museum?

The Jewish Museum in New York City has a food and drink policy that prohibits consuming outside food and beverages within the museum's galleries and exhibition spaces. However, they do have a café located on the lower level where visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious kosher and non-kosher options. The café offers a range of salads, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages, providing a convenient and enjoyable dining experience for museum-goers. So, while you can't bring your own food and drinks, you can definitely grab a bite to eat at the museum's café during your visit.


Does The Jewish Museum offer luggage storage?

The Jewish Museum in New York City does not have luggage storage facilities. However, there are several options available nearby where you can securely store your belongings while you visit the museum. One option is to use a luggage storage service, such as Vertoe or LuggageHero, which have multiple locations throughout the city. These services allow you to drop off your bags at a convenient location and pick them up later at your convenience. Another option is to check if your hotel offers luggage storage for guests, even after check-out. It's always a good idea to call ahead or check the museum's website for the most up-to-date information on their policies.


Is The Jewish Museum a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, The Jewish Museum in New York City is a fantastic destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While English is the primary language used in the museum, there are various resources available to enhance the experience for international visitors.

The museum offers multilingual audio guides in several languages, including Spanish, French, German, Russian, and Hebrew. These audio guides provide detailed explanations and insights into the exhibits, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the artwork and historical artifacts on display.

Additionally, The Jewish Museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that explore Jewish culture and history from a global perspective. These exhibitions often feature informative signage and interactive displays that transcend language barriers, making them accessible and engaging for all visitors.

The museum's staff members are also knowledgeable and friendly, and many of them can assist visitors in multiple languages. If you have any questions or need assistance during your visit, don't hesitate to ask for help.

Overall, The Jewish Museum offers a rich and immersive experience for visitors of all backgrounds, regardless of their language proficiency. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Jewish history, art, and culture, and it welcomes guests from around the world with open arms.


What ages are appropriate for The Jewish Museum?

The Jewish Museum in New York City offers a variety of exhibits and programs that cater to a wide range of ages. While there is no specific recommended age range, the museum is generally suitable for visitors of all ages, including families with children.

For younger visitors, the museum offers interactive exhibits and family-friendly programs that engage children in learning about Jewish art, culture, and history. These programs often include hands-on activities, storytelling, and art workshops designed to make the museum experience enjoyable and educational for kids.

Older visitors, including teenagers and adults, will find a wealth of thought-provoking exhibits that delve into Jewish history, identity, and contemporary art. The museum's collection includes a diverse range of artwork, artifacts, and multimedia installations that offer unique insights into Jewish culture and heritage.

Whether you're a family looking to explore Jewish traditions with your children or an individual interested in Jewish art and history, The Jewish Museum has something for everyone. We encourage you to check their website for current exhibitions and programs that may be of interest to you and your group.


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