Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
| Type | History museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 South Independence Mall East |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 923-3811 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1976 |
| Founder | Jewish community leaders |
| Director | Misha Galperin |
| Hours | Fri-Sun 10 AM - 5 PM |
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. Located on Independence Mall in Old City, the museum tells the story of how Jews came to America, adapted to American life, and contributed to American society while maintaining their distinct identity. The striking modern building, designed by James Polshek, opened in 2010 and stands as an architectural landmark overlooking Independence Hall.[1]
The museum's core exhibition spans 350 years of Jewish life in America, from the first arrivals in colonial times through the present day. Through artifacts, personal stories, and interactive displays, visitors explore themes of immigration, religious freedom, cultural preservation, and civic engagement that resonate with all Americans.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]Origins
[edit | edit source]The museum was founded in 1976 as part of America's Bicentennial celebration, originally occupying space in historic Congregation Mikveh Israel. For decades, the museum operated in a smaller facility on the National Mall.
The New Building
[edit | edit source]In November 2010, the museum moved into a stunning new 100,000-square-foot building on Independence Mall, designed by James Polshek of Ennead Architects. The modern glass-and-terra cotta structure:
- Offers views of Independence Hall
- Features 25,000 square feet of gallery space
- Includes a theater, education center, and gift shop
- Achieved LEED certification for sustainability
Naming
[edit | edit source]In 2022, the museum was renamed the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in recognition of a transformative gift from George and Helaine Weitzman.
Exhibitions
[edit | edit source]Core Exhibition: The American Jewish Experience
[edit | edit source]The museum's permanent exhibition spans four floors and 350 years of history:
Only in America
[edit | edit source]Explores unique aspects of American Jewish life:
- Religious freedom from colonial times
- Creating Jewish identity in a pluralistic society
- Contributions to American culture and society
Foundations of Freedom (1654-1880)
[edit | edit source]- First Jewish arrivals in New Amsterdam (1654)
- Colonial Jewish communities
- Jews in the American Revolution
- Westward expansion and immigration
- Building synagogues and institutions
Dreams of Freedom (1880-1945)
[edit | edit source]- Mass immigration from Eastern Europe
- Settlement house movement
- Jewish neighborhoods and culture
- The Holocaust and American response
- Jews in American military service
Choices and Challenges (1945-Present)
[edit | edit source]- Postwar prosperity and suburbanization
- Civil rights activism
- Israel and American Jewish identity
- Contemporary Jewish life
Notable Artifacts
[edit | edit source]| Artifact | Significance |
|---|---|
| Irving Berlin's piano | America's great songwriter |
| Einstein's pipe | Iconic refugee scientist |
| Jonas Salk materials | Polio vaccine developer |
| Sandy Koufax items | Baseball legend |
| Ruth Bader Ginsburg items | Supreme Court Justice |
Special Exhibitions
[edit | edit source]The museum presents rotating exhibitions exploring specific aspects of American Jewish history, culture, and contemporary issues.
Hall of Fame =
[edit | edit source]The museum celebrates notable American Jews who have contributed to American society in fields including:
- Arts and entertainment
- Business and finance
- Science and medicine
- Law and government
- Sports
- Philanthropy
- Social justice
Visiting the Museum
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Friday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Monday-Thursday
- Closed Jewish holidays and some federal holidays
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Adults: Approximately $15 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
- Children (12 and under): Free
- Free on select days
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Allow 2-3 hours for the full exhibition
- Audio guides enhance the experience
- Don't miss the view from the top floor
- The museum store features excellent Judaica and books
- Combine with Independence Hall and Liberty Bell visits
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- SEPTA Market-Frankford Line: 5th Street Station
- SEPTA Bus: Multiple routes on Market Street
- PHLASH: Independence Mall stop
- Walking: On Independence Mall
- Parking: Independence Mall garage adjacent
Nearby Attractions
[edit | edit source]- Independence Hall (across the street)
- Liberty Bell (1-minute walk)
- National Constitution Center (2-minute walk)
- Congregation Mikveh Israel (1-minute walk)
- Museum of the American Revolution (3-minute walk)
Programs
[edit | edit source]Educational Programs
[edit | edit source]- School field trips
- Teacher workshops
- Curriculum resources
- Student programs
Public Programs
[edit | edit source]- Lectures and author talks
- Film screenings
- Cultural celebrations
- Family programs
- Adult education courses
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Congregation Mikveh Israel
- Jewish History in Philadelphia
- Old City, Philadelphia
- Independence Mall
- Immigration to Philadelphia
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About the Museum". Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "National Museum of American Jewish History". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025