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Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center: A Phoenix Landmark

Explore Arizona's Jewish heritage in a beautifully restored historic synagogue in downtown Phoenix. Museum, archives, and cultural center.

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Housed in Phoenix's first synagogue (built in 1921), the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center tells the story of Jewish life in Arizona. The center offers exhibits, archives, and educational programs for people of all faiths.

A brief summary to Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center

Local tips

  • Check the AZJHS website for current exhibits and events before visiting.
  • Wednesday admission to the exhibit, 'Stories of Survival: An Immersive Journey Through the Holocaust' is free.
  • Schedule a visit or tour in advance by emailing Tours@azjhs.org or calling 602-241-7870.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center is located in downtown Phoenix, near the Burton Barr Central Library. If you are in the downtown area, walking is a viable option. From the library, walk north along Central Avenue, then turn right onto E Culver St. The center will be on your right. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Valley Metro Rail provides service to the Heritage & Science Park Station, which is a short walk from the center. From the station, walk north on 1st Street, then turn east onto E Culver St. The center will be on your left. A single ride fare on Valley Metro Rail is $2 [https://www.valleymetro.org/].

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Phoenix. From most downtown locations, a taxi ride to the center will likely cost between $7 and $15, depending on traffic and distance. There may be a surcharge for minivan requests.

  • Driving

    If driving, use the address 122 E Culver St, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Parking is available in surrounding lots, but can be limited. Check online parking apps for rates and availability. Expect to pay around $20-$40 for 2 hours.

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Discover more about Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center

The Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, located in downtown Phoenix, stands as a testament to the history of the Jewish community in Arizona. The building, originally constructed in 1921 as Temple Beth Israel, the first synagogue in Phoenix, has served various communities over the years, including the First Chinese Baptist Church and the Iglesia Bautista Central. In 2002, the Arizona Jewish Historical Society (AZJHS) acquired the building and began a restoration project in 2008 to revive its original character. The center now houses a museum, archives, and educational programs that explore the Jewish experience in Arizona. Exhibits range from local Jewish artists to early Jewish history in Arizona and throughout the world. The AZJHS also hosts lectures, film series, and Holocaust education programs. The center's archive contains over 50,000 primary source documents and photographs related to Jewish history in Arizona and the Southwest. The center also provides resources for genealogy research. The Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center is a Phoenix Point of Pride and welcomes people of all faiths to learn about Jewish history and culture.

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