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The Contemporary Jewish Museum: A Cultural Crossroads

Explore contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history, and art at San Francisco's dynamic Contemporary Jewish Museum.

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The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco offers a dynamic perspective on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas. Housed in a striking building designed by Daniel Libeskind, the CJM presents rotating exhibitions and programs that connect the past with the present, making the Jewish experience relevant to a 21st-century audience.

A brief summary to The Contemporary Jewish Museum

  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before visiting to align with your interests.
  • Consider visiting on the first Friday of the month for potential free admission opportunities.
  • Explore the architectural details of the building, including the Yud Gallery and the lobby's embedded Hebrew word 'pardes'.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Contemporary Jewish Museum is easily accessible by public transportation. Several MUNI bus lines (5, 6, 7, 9, 16, 21, 31, 38, 71) stop nearby. The Montgomery and Powell Street BART stations are also within walking distance. A Clipper card can be used on BART and other modes of travel throughout the Bay Area. A BART ride from Embarcadero to Civic Center/UN Plaza costs $1-3.

  • Walking

    The Contemporary Jewish Museum is located at 736 Mission Street, between Third and Fourth streets, in the SoMa neighborhood. It is within walking distance of many downtown San Francisco attractions, including Yerba Buena Gardens, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and Union Square. From Union Square, walk south on Third or Fourth Street to Mission Street. Walking from Powell Street Station will take approximately 4 minutes.

  • Parking

    While the Contemporary Jewish Museum does not have dedicated on-site parking , several parking garages are located nearby. These include the Jessie Square Garage (223 Stevenson St) and the Hyatt Regency SF Downtown SOMA garage (50 3rd St). Parking rates vary, with hourly rates typically ranging from $20-$30. Be aware that street parking in the area can be difficult to find.

Unlock the Best of The Contemporary Jewish Museum

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Discover more about The Contemporary Jewish Museum

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) is located in San Francisco's vibrant Yerba Buena cultural district. It stands as a dynamic hub, offering fresh perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas. Unlike traditional museums, the CJM is a non-collecting institution, meaning it does not have a permanent collection. Instead, it focuses on curating and hosting a diverse array of temporary exhibitions each year in collaboration with other institutions. These exhibitions aim to explore the Jewish experience and make it relevant for a 21st-century audience. The museum's striking architecture is a key feature. Designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the building combines the historic Jessie Street Power Substation with a bold, geometric structure. Opened in 2008, the design incorporates the Hebrew word “Chai” (meaning “life”), with the building's form and 36 diamond-shaped windows. The result is a recognizable landmark that reflects the museum's mission to be a lively center for engaging audiences with Jewish culture. The CJM offers a wide range of programs and events, including workshops, lectures, gallery talks, film screenings, and performances. Educational programs are available for both children and adults, with guided tours providing deeper insights into the exhibitions. The Helen Diller Institute at the CJM serves as a collaborative workspace, fostering the creation of dynamic Jewish content and programs for diverse audiences. Past exhibits have showcased a wide range of subjects, from the art of William Steig and Arthur Szyk to explorations of Black-Jewish identity and artistic responses to Genesis. Visitors can engage with contemporary art, historical perspectives, and groundbreaking ideas, all within the unique architectural space of the CJM.

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