The Jewish Museum

The Basics

Founded in 1904, the Jewish Museum presents exhibitions, programs, and events that encourage cross-cultural dialogue and champion art and artists from around the world. To visit the museum, many visitors avoid public transit with a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour along Fifth Avenue. To make a day of it, you can also pair a visit to the museum with a walking tour of Central Park or film-themed neighborhood tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Visitors that want to learn more about Jewish art, culture, and the Jewish experience shouldn't miss the Jewish Museum.

• The museum holds a collection of more than 30,000 objects reflecting the Jewish identity, a draw for Jewish visitors.

• Check the calendar before you arrive, since numerous events, educational programs, and art-making workshops are hosted weekly.

• Get the most out of your visit with a gallery tour; tours are offered during the week, and last about 45 minutes.

How to Get There

Located on the Upper East Side's Museum Mile, the most convenient way to reach the Jewish Museum is by hop-on-hop-off-bus tour, city bus, or subway. To take the subway, take the 6 train to 96th Street, and walk west until your reach Fifth Avenue. You can also take the M1, M2, or M3 bus, all of which run on Fifth. Find the museum on Fifth Avenue between 92nd and 93rd streets.

When to Get There

The Jewish Museum is open six days a week, and closed on Wednesdays and major Jewish holidays. The museum offers free admission on Saturdays, but because Saturday is Shabbat—the Jewish day of rest—certain interactive museum features are not available, and the museum shop is closed. To avoid the crowds, visit on Monday or Tuesday, since the museum is busiest over the weekend.

Visiting the Guggenheim Museum

Continue a day experiencing art and culture on Museum Mile with a stop at the renowned Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. This beacon of modern and contemporary art is well-known for both its exhibitions and bold, spiral-shaped building, designed by the revered American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. As the museum is a popular destination for locals and tourists, you should prebook admission and enjoy skip-the-line gallery access.

Ways to explore

Founded in 1904, the Jewish Museum presents exhibitions, programs, and events that encourage cross-cultural dialogue and champion art and artists from around the world. It’s worth exploring the museum’s permanent collection—which features 30,000 works of art, ceremonial objects, and other cultural artifacts—as well as its temporary exhibitions.

To visit the museum, you can travel by hop-on hop-off bus tour; many itineraries include stops along Fifth Avenue, allowing you to disembark nearby. To make a day of it, pair a visit to the Jewish Museum with a walking tour of Central Park or the Upper East Side.

Accessibility

The Jewish Museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. It provides wheelchairs, as well as hearing loops and verbal description audio tours.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Handheld bag, camera

What to wear

Wear comfortable layers and walking shoes; note that carrying a coat is not permitted.

Not allowed

Food and beverages, flash photography and tripods, luggage and large bags, pets

Amenities

Coat check, restaurant, restrooms, gift shop

Address

The Jewish Museum is located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, part of the Upper East Side’s Museum Mile. Public transit is a great way to get there, as are tours with included transportation, taxis, and rideshare services.

Driving

Owing to traffic restrictions and congestion, driving in Manhattan is not recommended. If you must drive, several parking garages near the museum offer discounted parking.

Public transportation

To get to the Jewish Museum, take the 6 train to 96 St station. A number of bus routes also stop near the museum.

Best times to visit

The Jewish Museum is typically open from late morning until early evening. Visit early for a calmer experience and to dine at the on-site Lox restaurant.

Best days to visit

The Jewish Museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Visit during other weekdays for the lowest crowds.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are generally less busy times to visit attractions like the Jewish Museum. Summer is the tourist high season in New York City.

Special events

If you can, visit the Jewish Museum in January, when it hosts its annual New York Jewish Film Festival, a collaboration with Film at Lincoln Center.