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Attraction

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Preserving and interpreting the American Jewish experience...

Photo by B. Halkin for the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
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Overview

Rising five stories above Independence Mall in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History brings to life the history of Jews in America.

Through the use of evocative objects, telling moments and state-of-the-art interactive technologies, the museum traces the stories of how Jewish immigrants became Jewish Americans and invites visitors of all backgrounds to share their own stories, too.

The museum was founded during the wave of museum-building in Philadelphia surrounding the 1976 Bicentennial celebration.

The collection started with only 40 objects in its first year and has since grown to include more than 30,000 artifacts, some dating back more than 300 years.

As of 2023, the museum is free (with a suggested donation).

 

The Experience

Check out Albert Einstein’s pipe, Irving Berlin’s piano, Steven Spielberg’s first camera and more.

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History’s five-story building allows visitors to explore artifacts and documents as well as images taken from the museum’s own collection, original films and state-of-the-art interactive media displays.

Don’t Miss

Only in America® Gallery/Hall of Fame

The unique Only in America® Gallery/Hall of Fame on the ground floor is free and open to the public. Historic artifacts on display including Einstein’s pipe, Irving Berlin’s piano, Steven Spielberg’s first camera and more.

OY/YO

The OY/YO sculpture outside of The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History The OY/YO sculpture outside of The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

  — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

This clever installation is all about perspective. From one side, you see “YO,” a familiar Philly greeting, interjection and anchor of the iconic Rocky quote. From the other side, you see “OY,” as in “Oy vey,” a ubiquitous Yiddish phrase expressing dismay or grief. Installed in 2022, the spot has already become a popular photo op for tourists and locals alike.

For more about the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, click the button below.

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