What a great job they did telling the story. It starts on the 4th floor back in the 1800s and brings you down to the 2nd floor to more modern times. I am not Jewish and was amazed at the history and impact they have had on America.We took a docent tour and I would recommend that, the issues is sometimes the spots get cramped and it may be hard to,hear if the group is big. Our docent did a really nice job..The film clips on the 1st floor were really cool and they have a gift shop and dining, very clean and comfortable. We allowed 21/2 hours based on what some neighbors told us we really needed more time then that.
Went on Feb 14 . Were surprised that admission was FREE . We opted for a tour (also free) that lasted 1 hour and covers 2 floors of the museum , I think there are 4 . Our guide was Stephen and he is straight up awesome. Very knowledgeable and entertaining. The tour gives a quick story of different era's and then you can go back and revisit what you want to look at closer. I would allow 2hrs min but really you could do 3+ if you find interest in Jewish history\people . I knew nothing about Jewish religion and culture but found this to be a great museum .
The museum is interesting. Idem for the museum shop (expensive but full of unusual objects). Walking distance from major tourist attractions.
This is one of the newest museums in Philadelphia. With such a wide variety of interesting information that you will ever learn. Jewish history told unlike anywhere else. With photos and personal belonging to some of the most famous Jewish people.
Really excellent but I could have spent more time there and I was there nearly 3 hours. Allot enough time and you will be astounded at what you learn. The films on the 3rd floor are a must
Our friend, a well-traveled, travel writer recommended this museum to us and we found it of Smithsonian quality. Our docent was exceptional and her enthusiasm with European, American and Jewish historu
This can be a quick visit. I went through the museum by myself in about two hours. I had a couple hours before having to head to the airport and decided to check the museum out. There was a lot of interesting information. I learned some new things and enjoyed the displays. The gift shop was adorable and couldn't resist buying something. I highly recommend this museum.
I found this to be one of the best museums I have ever visited. It is totally engaging, organized chronologically by floor to tell the complex story of Jews in America. I learned a lot and was enthralled by the artfully designed exhibits which included a focus on individual stories as well as the broader scope of this history. From colonial times to the present, it presented a rich and nuanced museum experience. This would be an excellent destination for kids, with lots of physical artifacts, audio stories, etc. as much as for adults. Also, if you think you are not that interested in the specific history of American Jews, this museum will make you think again. It is a unique story, certainly, but one that ties into the overall history of the country and the American Dream so much that it really is another lens to view the multifaceted history of the US,I highly recommend this - hadn't planned to visit until walked by and saw it..... but it is worth planning for!
Not very much to look at, huge building with sparse collection, at least it got us out of the cold to warm up ...
Fantastic museum. Great combination of films, reading, photos, hands on exhibits, first person experience exhibits. Love the layout by era. Start at the top and make your way downstairs, Great for the whole family because the information is in short write ups. Had something for everyone.