Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum Opens to the Public

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When

06/09/2023 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Cost

Free

Where

575 3rd Street NW

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The first museum of its kind dedicated to celebrating the history of the Jewish experience in the nation’s capital will open its doors on Friday, June 9, 2023, at its new home at 575 3rd Street NW.

The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum explores the Jewish experience in the national capital region and inspires visitors to connect personally and collectively, reflect on the relevance of the past to today, and act on behalf of their communities and values. The new museum engages visitors in humanities-based exhibitions and programs that explore themes of immigration, cultural identity, civics, social activism, and more.

The four-floor museum’s LEED Silver building features a rooftop terrace, lobby atrium, flexible education space and three floors of exhibition galleries.The largest and best-known artifact, the entirety of Washington’s oldest, purpose-built synagogue, was carefully moved to its new location in 2019 and renovated to reflect its original condition. The synagogue will be an active participant in its neighborhood.

The museum’s inaugural exhibitions provide a rich, multifaceted portrait of Jewish life — past and present — in and around the nation’s capital and use Jewish values to explore social justice issues. The exhibitions are curated from a vast collection of more than 24,000 digital and print photographs, 1,050 objects, and 800 linear feet of archival materials from the 1850s to the present day, including oral histories, personal papers, and business and organizational records that represent the diversity of the local Jewish community, in the areas of D.C., suburban Maryland and the Northern Virginia Jewish community, and by LGBTQ Jews and Jews of color.

The opening celebration — coinciding with the historic synagogue’s dedication on June 9, 1876, in the presence of then-President Ulysses S. Grant — will feature public programs and events for visitors of all ages. More details will be announced in the coming months.

Admission to permanent exhibitions is always free. The cost for special exhibitions and programs varies. Members enjoy free admission to all exhibitions and discounts on programs.