Museum at Eldridge Street

The Basics

Gain understanding of the Jewish immigrant experience, in a historic house of worship, at the Museum at Eldridge Street. View religious artifacts, archival documents, and stunning stained-glass windows. To secure a spot on a docent tour—and avoid lines—opt to purchase tickets in advance. Neighborhood walking tours are also a great way to see the synagogue, but plan to visit independently if you want to see the worship space and exhibits.

Things to Know Before You Go

• History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue—a National Historic Landmark.

• For a great value, purchase the a city pass to get free entry to the Museum at Eldridge Street and several other cultural institutions.

• To get the most out of a visit, take a docent tour of the museum—multiple times are offered daily.

• Check the calendar in advance to book a class or join a lecture.

How to Get There

A neighborhood walking tour may take you past the historic synagogue. To visit and explore the exhibits on your own, plan to walk or arrive by subway. Take the F train to East Broadway, B or D to Grand Street, or 6, N, Q, R, J, or Z trains to Canal Street.

When to Get There

The Museum at Eldridge Street is open Sunday to Thursday from morning to early evening, and on Friday is closes in mid-afternoon. The museum is closed on Saturdays, major Jewish holidays, and national holidays. Plan to visit during the week to avoid crowds, and consider visiting in June for the annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival, celebrating the diversity of the Lower East Side.

Walking Across the Manhattan Bridge

Just steps from the Museum at Eldridge Street, you find the entrance to the Manhattan Bridge. Since the bridge is less crowded than the popular Brooklyn Bridge, it's a great choice for those who want to walk to Brooklyn while enjoying views over the East River. Enter at the junction of Canal and Bowery Streets, pass the colonnaded plaza, and stop at the top to snap pictures of the nearby Brooklyn Bridge.

Ways to explore

Admission tickets get you inside the synagogue to learn about the Jewish experience in New York City at the turn of the 20th century and admire the magnificent stained-glass windows on a self-guided tour. Or, dive deeper into the history and heritage of the Lower East Side’s Jewish community on a docent-led guided tour. In addition, you get access to temporary exhibitions, which focus on everything from Jewish art to religious traditions.

You can also visit the museum with the New York Pass or as part of a Jewish-themed walking tour or food-tasting tour of the Lower East Side.

Accessibility

Accessible for wheelchair users; ramps and elevators throughout; assistive listening devices, touch tours, and access programs on request

Age limits

None; children under 5 are free and must be accompanied by an adult

What to pack

Camera, smartphone (to download the museum app), reusable water bottle

What to wear

Modest clothing suitable for a place of worship, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Backpacks, luggage, and wheeled bags; flash photography, tripods, and professional photography (permission required); pets (except service dogs); skateboards, scooters, and other personal transportation devices; food and drink

Amenities

Guided tours, bag check (small bags and backpacks only), gift shop, restrooms

Address

The Museum at Eldridge Street is located on the outskirts of Chinatown in Lower Manhattan. You can reach the museum on foot from the Lower East Side, by public transport, or by taxi.

Driving

Driving through NYC isn’t recommended, and parking is extremely limited (not to mention expensive). Save yourself the hassle and hail a cab or book a rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

The easiest way to reach the museum is by subway. Take the F train to East Broadway, B or D to Grand Street, or 6, N, Q, R, J, or Z trains to Canal Street—all are within a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, the M15 bus stops four blocks away at the meeting of Grand and Allen streets.

Best times to visit

Arrive at opening or just before closing to avoid crowds and tour groups, or time your visit to coincide with one of the docent-led tours, held four times daily.

Best days to visit

The museum is open daily except Saturdays, and it’s typically busiest on Fridays and Sundays. It’s also closed on major Jewish holidays and national holidays.

Best months to visit

Come in June to make the most of the good weather, attend the annual street festival, and squeeze in some sightseeing before NYC gets overrun with crowds in July and August.

Special events

The annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Street Festival takes place along Eldridge Street in mid-June with fun family-friendly activities, performances, and street food snacks.