The museum is situated directly across from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
The building's glass design is intended to mirror the transparency of American democracy.
It hosts the Only in America Gallery/Hall of Fame, which features notable individuals like Steven Spielberg and Barbra Streisand.
The collection includes George Washington’s 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island.
The museum was founded in 1976 and moved to its current location on Independence Mall in 2010.
It was formally renamed 'The Weitzman' in 2022 following a significant gift from philanthropist Stuart Weitzman.
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the narrative of the Jewish experience in America. Located on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, the building features a prominent glass facade designed by James Polshek. The core exhibition spans three floors and covers over 360 years of history, tracing the migration and contributions of Jewish immigrants. It houses a collection of over 30,000 artifacts, ranging from personal letters and family heirlooms to interactive multimedia displays. The museum explores themes of religious freedom, civil rights, and social activism within the context of American democracy. It is a Smithsonian Affiliate institution. The permanent exhibition, 'The Dream of America,' utilizes film, audio, and physical objects to depict early immigrant life. The museum also maintains an extensive digital archive of oral histories and documents.
The interior grand staircase offers a view of the glass facade looking out toward Independence Mall.
Check the museum's online calendar for special curator-led tours and temporary exhibitions before arriving.
Start your visit on the top floor and work your way down through the chronological exhibits.
Use the interactive stations throughout the galleries to access deeper historical context.
Do not attempt to see every single artifact in one visit; the volume of history displayed is vast and best experienced by focusing on specific eras.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
