Yeshiva University Museum

Address:2520 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, New York
Tel: (212) 960-5390

Since 1972, the Yeshiva University Museum has housed the most culturally diverse intellectual and artistic achievements of 3,000 years of Jewish life that have continued to impress visitors, young and old, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. With 8,000 artifacts and numerous changing exhibits, the museum showcases worldwide Jewish culture, past and present.

The Yeshiva University Museum offers two dynamic perspectives to the Jewish people's rich and diverse culture: One is communities and historic events, while the other is emerging and established contemporary artists who focus on Jewish themes and lessons that have kept the Jewish people alive for so long. Visitors gain an understanding into how Jewish people have adapted with aesthetic sensibilities, co-existing in all countries and cultures.

Highlights of the museum's collection include artifacts dating from the Bronze Age to the late antique period, historic manuscripts such as Thomas Jefferson's 1818 handwritten letter affirming religious freedom, rare Torah scrolls, and the Phylacteries of the great founder of Hasidism, the Baal Shem Tov. Visitors can enjoy clothing, accessories, gold-embroidered Ottoman bindalli wedding dresses, and a Czech children's costume from 1932.

Additional exhibits display models of historic synagogues, early Israeli art, a vast collection of Jewish Children's books, an amulet collection, and a serious collection of Judaica pieces. Fascinating photographs and advertisements from Jewish past including old flags that were used on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, Torah shields, and Hanukkah lamps, are just a glimpse of what to expect in this great holding of Jewish culture.

Temporary exhibitions on Alfred Dreyfus, and women's issues are sure to interest all visitors. There is even an exhibition showcasing a Sukkah (temporary living hut) made from a bus stop!

The Yeshiva University Museum is located inside the Center for Jewish History between 5th Ave. and Avenue of the Americas. Nearby subway stops include: Union Square Q, W, N, R, 4, 5, 6; 14th Street and 7th Avenue 1, 2, 3, 9; and 14th Street and 8th Avenue A, C, E. The museum can also be reached by bus on the M2, M3, M5, M6 and M7 lines.

Come and explore the diverse culture and history of the world's most longstanding religion and people at the Yeshiva University Museum, a truly interesting visit.

Since its founding in 1973, Yeshiva University Museum's changing exhibits have celebrated the culturally diverse intellectual and artistic achievements of 3,000 years of Jewish experience. The Museum provides a window into Jewish culture around the world and throughout history through its acclaimed multi-disciplinary exhibitions and award-winning publications. By educating audiences of all ages with dynamic interpretations of Jewish life, past and present, along with wide-ranging cultural offerings and programs, the Museum attracts young and old, Jewish and non-Jewish audiences.