Museum of Jewish Heritage

The Basics

The Museum of Jewish Heritage opened in 1997 with a mission to “educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the broad tapestry of Jewish life in the 20th and 21st centuries—before, during, and after the Holocaust.” The museum uses objects, photographs, and audio testimonials to tell the story of Jewish people and culture in the US and beyond. Visit the exhibits, the memorial garden, and the Reflection Passage (designed to encourage contemplation), and attend special talks and performances.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Entry to the museum includes use of an audio guide.

• Pre-book tickets online to save time.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Museum of Jewish Heritage is located at 36 Battery Place in lower Manhattan. To reach the museum by subway, take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green or the 2 or 3 train to Wall St.

When to Get There

The museum is open Sunday–Thursday from morning until evening and Friday from morning through early afternoon. The museum is closed on Saturdays and major Jewish and public holidays. Check the schedule for special events and exhibits.

Climb to the Top of the Statue of Liberty

After visiting the Museum of Jewish Heritage, head across the water to the Statue of Liberty. Standing proud on an island in New York Harbor since 1886, the Statue of Liberty is perhaps New York’s most famous landmark. Visit to see Lady Liberty up close and to climb the 377 steps inside the hollow copper statue and enjoy the view from her crown.

Ways to explore

Tickets to the museum include full access to its permanent and temporary exhibitions, and entry is also included with a New York Pass or Go City Pass. Visit the main gallery exhibition, “The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do,” which spans the full timeline of the Holocaust; walk through the Reflections Passage; and see Andy Goldsworthy’s ever-growing Garden of Stones, where trees sprout from huge boulders.

Many visitors combine a visit to the museum with brunch or lunch at the on-site kosher restaurant, Lox at Café Bergson, followed by a walk along the Battery Park Esplanade with views of the Hudson River.

Accessibility

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible; free wheelchairs are available; accessible restrooms are available on each floor. Service dogs are welcome, videos are open-captioned in English, and ASL tours can be organized on request.

Age limits

Parental guidance is advised due to the subject matter of the museum; most exhibitions are recommended for children 12 and up; admission is free for children under 12.

What to pack

Camera, phone with headphones (for the audio guide)

What to wear

The museum is a place of remembrance, so modest clothing is advised.

Not allowed

Large bags or backpacks, food or drink, strollers, flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks

Amenities

Free downloadable digital audio guides, kosher café-restaurant, gift shop, free bag and coat check

Address

The Museum of Jewish Heritage is located at Battery Place in Lower Manhattan, along the banks of the Hudson River. You can reach the museum by using public transit; it’s also easy to walk there from the 9/11 Memorial or the Statue of Liberty ferry terminal.

Driving

It’s usually quicker to take the subway than to drive through traffic-congested Manhattan, but discounted parking is available at the nearby GGMC parking garage (validate your ticket at the museum). From the East Side, follow the FDR Drive to the Battery Park City/Staten Island Ferry exit, then follow signs to Battery Park.

Public transportation

The closest subway stations to the museum are Bowling Green (4, 5), about a 7-minute walk away, and Rector Street (1, N, R, W), about an 8-minute walk. The M20 bus to Battery Park City stops right outside the museum.

Best times to visit

Arriving early offers the best chance of fewer crowds; the majority of visitors and school groups arrive between 11am and 4pm. Note that there’s free admission on Thursdays between 4pm and 8pm, which can be reserved.

Best days to visit

The museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, as well as on Jewish holidays. The quietest days to visit are typically Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Best months to visit

Spring is a great time to visit the surrounding Battery Park, and the museum often has fewer visitors than during the busy summer months.

Special events

Film screenings, book talks, and other special events are scheduled throughout the year at the museum, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance.