Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
About
The Museum of Jewish Heritage, located at Edmond J. Safra Plaza at 36 Battery Place in lower Manhattan, stands as one of New York's most significant cultural institutions. Unlike traditional art museums, this venue functions as a living memorial dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, culture, and resilience of the Jewish people, with particular emphasis on the Holocaust. Positioned in Battery Park with views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the museum occupies a meaningful location that connects immigration history with the stories it tells. For visitors seeking to understand and engage with profound historical narratives and diverse artistic expressions rooted in Jewish experience, this museum offers a deeply moving and educational experience that goes beyond conventional exhibition spaces. The exhibitions at the Museum of Jewish Heritage present a unique blend of historical documentation, personal testimonies, artistic works, and cultural artifacts that together create a comprehensive portrait of Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust. Rather than displaying art in the traditional sense, the museum curates powerful collections that include photographs, documents, survivor testimonies, videos, and objects that tell stories of individuals and communities. The programming is distinctive in its commitment to ensuring that the Holocaust remains understood not as a distant historical event but as something intimately connected to broader themes of human dignity, cultural continuity, and moral responsibility. Visitors will encounter materials that span Jewish traditions, contributions to society, and the experiences of survivors, presented in ways that encourage reflection and dialogue. When you visit the museum, you will find yourself in a thoughtfully designed space that has been carefully planned to support the emotional and intellectual weight of the material presented. The atmosphere is contemplative and respectful, creating an environment where visitors can engage with difficult histories at their own pace. The physical space itself, including its architectural design and layout, has been intentionally created to facilitate meaningful encounters with the exhibitions. The museum experience typically includes interactive elements, documentary footage, and personal narratives that allow visitors to connect on both intellectual and emotional levels. Plan to spend several hours exploring the galleries, as the depth and breadth of the material deserves unhurried attention. For more information about current exhibitions, hours, and visitor details, you can visit their website at https://mjhnyc.org/.
Current Exhibitions
The exhibition features over 100 objects, including original drawings, rare prints, illuminated manuscripts, commercial cartoons, and political ephemera. It examines the intertwined themes of Jewish identity, Zionism, and universal freedom that define Szyk's career, including 18 works that have never been publicly shown and nearly 40 original drawings.
Location
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact Information
Address
Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place
Phone
646.437.4202