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Museum at Eldridge Street

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 90 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The Museum at Eldridge Street is a cultural and historical gem located in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. This museum is housed in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, which was built in 1887 and is a stunning example of Jewish architecture from the late 19th century. One of the main reasons a tourist would want to visit the Museum at Eldridge Street is to learn about the history of Jewish immigrants in New York City. The museum tells the story of the Lower East Side community, including the struggles and triumphs of early Jewish settlers who built the synagogue and established a vibrant community in the area. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored synagogue, which features stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and other decorative elements. The museum also offers a range of exhibits, programs, and events that showcase Jewish culture and history.

12 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002 Get Directions





Museum at Eldridge Street Videos

Recorded: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Visit https://www.eldridgestreet.org/events for all upcoming Museum at Eldridge Street programming. Explore the historical Jewish doctor's approach to medicine, and how the traditional Jewish doctor has evolved. Early Jewish physicians viewed their work as being a joint venture with God, and containing a set of ethics based strongly in their steadfast Jewish values. During the Middle Ages, many gentiles recognized a certain mystique for which Jewish doctors either were revered or reviled. Even in modern times, Jewish tradition can provide a moral perspective beyond purely scientific matters. In this virtual talk, Dr. Nevins will attempt to fill a black hole in our collective consciousness about what characterizes a distinctive Jewish approach to medical care and why that matters. Dr. Michael Nevins Throughout his career, Dr. Michael Nevins has enjoyed studying and writing about Jewish medical history. In his books about this subject, the now retired Dr. Nevins developed a theory that there was something distinctive about how Jewish physicians have gone about their work. Dr. Nevins is a retired internist-cardiologist who practiced for nearly four decades in Northern New Jersey. He grew up in the Bronx, graduated from Dartmouth College and Tufts Medical School and was active in bioethics, geriatrics, and medical education. He served as Governor of New Jersey’s chapter of the American College of Physicians and was president of the Medical History Society of New Jersey. Dr. Nevins has published fourteen books mostly related to medical history, four of them Jewish medical history. Image Credit Maimonides depiction over autograph responsum of Maimonides discovered in the Cairo Geniza, British Museum.

Recorded: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Find all Museum at Eldridge Street programming, both virtual and in-person, at https://www.eldridgestreet.org/events. Enjoy this book talk with award-winning author Dan Slater. Prior to World War I, the Lower East Side was a vice-filled ghetto—that is, until some wealthy Jewish uptowners formed a rogue vice squad to wage war on the underworld and secure the future of Jews in America. In selecting "The Incorruptibles" (Little, Brown and Company, 2024) as an editors' pick, "The New York Times" wrote: "Pitting colorful mobsters against earnest reformers in a battle of wits and gunfire, Slater’s diverting narrative of New York City’s Jewish gangland in the early 1900s doubles as a slyly sophisticated primer on an overlooked chapter of American crime history." Join Dan as he presents his newest publication, "The Incorruptibles: A true story of Kingpins, Crime Busters, and the birth of the American Underworld" in this virtual book talk with the Museum at Eldridge Street. Dan Slater is the author of "Wolf Boys," which was a Chicago Public Library best book of the year, "Love in the Time of Algorithms," and "The Officer & the Entrepreneur." A graduate of Colgate University, New York Film Academy, and Brooklyn Law School, he has written for more than a dozen publications, including "The Wall Street Journal," "The Washington Post," "The New York Times," "New York Magazine," "The Boston Globe," "The Atlantic," "Texas Monthly," "The New Yorker" online, and "GQ." Raised in Minnesota, Slater lives in New England with his wife and their two sons.

Recorded: Sunday, March 3, 2024 Find all upcoming Museum at Eldridge Street programming at https://www.eldridgestreet.org/events In honor of Women's History Month, the Museum at Eldridge Street hosted a panel discussion about the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory disaster, the monumental change it inspired, and the women that led the charge. We were also joined by The New York City Labor Chorus, who both opened and closed this program with their powerful voices and united message of solidarity. About this Panel Discussion: From December 3, 2023 through May 5, 2024 the Museum at Eldridge Street featured our exhibition "On the Lower East Side: Twenty-Eight Remarkable Women…and One Scoundrel," showcasing the work of artist Adrienne Ottenberg. Portraits printed on silk or cotton included a tableau of street maps depicting the Lower East Side places where these women worked and lived. In conjunction with Ottenberg's show, the Museum hosted a panel discussion moderated by Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition Vice President Rose Imperato, with historians and Coalition members Andi Sosin and Kevin Baker. Adrienne Ottenberg will join these esteemed speakers, and together we will mark 113 years since the March 1911 Fire.

Recorded: Sunday, June 30, 2024 Find all upcoming Museum at Eldridge Street programming at https://www.eldridgestreet.org/events Join "New York Times" best-selling author Daniel Schulman and learn about the incredible saga of the German-Jewish immigrants—with now familiar names like Goldman and Sachs, Kuhn and Loeb, Warburg and Schiff, Lehman and Seligman—who profoundly influenced the rise of modern finance and shaped modern America. "The Money Kings" (Knopf, November 14, 2023) unspools a sweeping narrative that traces the interconnected origin stories of these financial dynasties. Schulman chronicles their paths to Wall Street dominance, as they navigated the deeply antisemitic upper class of the Gilded Age, and the complexities of the Civil War, World War I, and the Zionist movement that tested both their burgeoning empires and their identities as Americans, Germans, and Jews. Joseph Seligman arrived in the United States in 1837, with the equivalent of $100 sewn into the lining of his pants. Then came the Lehman brothers, who would open a general store in Montgomery, Alabama. Not far behind were Solomon Loeb and Marcus Goldman, among the “Forty-Eighters” fleeing a Germany that had relegated Jews to an underclass. These industrious immigrants would soon go from peddling trinkets and buying up shopkeepers’ IOUs to forming what would become some of the largest investment banks in the world—Goldman Sachs, Kuhn Loeb, Lehman Brothers, J. & W. Seligman & Co. They would clash and collaborate with J. P. Morgan, E. H. Harriman, Jay Gould, and other famed tycoons of the era. Their firms would help to transform the United States from a debtor nation into a financial superpower, capitalizing American industry and underwriting some of the twentieth century’s quintessential companies, like General Motors, Macy’s, and Sears. Along the way, they would help shape the destiny of the millions of Eastern European Jews who spilled off steamships in New York Harbor in the early 1900s, including Daniel Schulman’s paternal grandparents. About the Author: Daniel Schulman is "The New York Times" best-selling author of "Sons of Wichita," a biography of the Koch family that was a finalist for the 2014 "Financial Times" and "McKinsey Business" Book of the Year Award. The deputy Washington bureau chief of "Mother Jones," he lives in Massachusetts, with his wife and sons.

Recorded: Sunday, June 30, 2024 Find all upcoming Museum at Eldridge Street programming at https://www.eldridgestreet.org/events Another installment of our Cinema Chats series! "Cabaret" (1972) is an iconic film which won Academy Awards for best directing (Bob Fosse), best actress in a leading role (Liza Minnelli), and best actor in a supporting role (Joel Grey), as well as cinematography and production design. Based in 1931 Berlin, the plot follows Minelli's character, American cabaret singer Sally Bowles, who meets British academic Brian Roberts (Michael York) who is finishing his university studies. The pair become lovers, but both soon fall for newcomer Maximilian von Heune (Helmut Griem), a wealthy and decadent playboy. This love triangle plays out against the rise of the Nazi party and the collapse of the Weimar Republic. We were honored to be joined by award- winning actor, Steven Skybell, who is currently starring as Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor who falls in love with boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider, in the Broadway revival of "Cabaret." Together, Skybell and Cinema Chats moderator Lucy Shahar led us in a discussion about the film from an acting perspective. Steven Skybell is currently starring as Herr Schultz in the Broadway revival of "Cabaret." Skybell won the 2019 Lortel Award for best performance by an actor for his portrayal of Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish," directed by Joel Grey. Other Broadway credits include "Wicked," "Pal Joey," "Fiddler on the Roof," "The Full Monty," "Love Valour Compassion," "Café Crown," and "Ah, Wilderness." Recent engagements include a Carnegie Hall solo debut in an evening of Yiddish songs from the Holocaust and his Lyric Opera of Chicago debut as Tevye in Barrie Kosky’s celebrated "Fiddler" from the Komische Oper Berlin. In addition to his extensive theater career, Skybell has many TV and film credits. Thumbnail Image Credit: "Cabaret" movie poster (1972).

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Museum at Eldridge Street News

Lynn Nottage and Leonard Majzlin Will Be Honored At DGF Gala Hosted By Amber Ruffin

Dramatists Guild Foundation has announced that Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage and Media Producer, Educator and Philanthropist Leonard Majzlin will be honored for their creative contributions, educational mentorship, and continued dedication to the American theater at the organization's annual Gala on October 23, 2023, at Ziegfeld Ballroom. 

André De Shields, Ali Ewoldt & More to Take Part in Prospect Theater Company's Spring Gala

Prospect Theater Company announced today that its annual Spring Gala will feature performances and special appearances by Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner André De Shields; Ali Ewoldt (The Phantom of the Opera); Drama Desk Award winner Gretchen Cryer; Drama League and Outer Critics Circle Award nominee Nick Corley and more.

On Site Opera To Stream Encore Presentation Of MORNING STAR

On Site Opera, New York's pioneer opera company rooted in site-specific storytelling and the immersive experience, has added an additional live stream to their 4-part series of encore presentations.  

Isle Of Klezbos Celebrates Women's History Month At City Winery Loft

ISLE of KLEZBOS, the swinging all-women's klezmer sextet, will celebrate Women's History Month with a special concert at City Winery Loft on Saturday, March 16 at 9:00 PM

Museum At Eldridge Street to Honor Sheldon Harnick And Stephen Schwartz; Julia Murney, Liz Callaway, and More to Perform

The Museum at Eldridge Street, based in Manhattan, is hosting a fundraising Gala tomorrow night, Thursday, November 1st.

ISLE OF KLEZBOS Celebrates 20th Anniversary at Joe's Pub

ISLE of KLEZBOS, the swinging all-women's klezmer sextet, will celebrate their 20th Anniversary with a special concert Isle of Klezbos: Isle of Manhattan! at Joe's Pub on Today, October 25 at 7:00 PM featuring returning guest artist Natalia Zukerman. The band and spellbinding singer-songwriter - whose father, the classical violinist Pinchas Zukerman, is the son of a Polish-born klezmer player - first melded musical minds earlier this year, exploring poignant Yiddish roots and hidden gems from vintage soundtracks, personal histories, vivid resistance narratives, and soulful sounds of liberation. Spreading joy coast to coast this anniversary year, ISLE of KLEZBOS  latest repertoire also features original klezmer bugalu (boogaloo), lesser-known bawdy traditionals, and luscious retakes on irresistible Eastern European swing and tango. Natalia brings vibrant stories and tunes from her powerful multi-media performance, "The Women Who Rode Away," including lush arrangements with backing Klezbos bandmates. The studio project is scheduled for release later this year. Tickets are available at JoesPub.com HERE.

ISLE OF KLEZBOS Celebrates 20th Anniversary at Joe's Pub

ISLE of KLEZBOS, the swinging all-women's klezmer sextet, will celebrate their 20th Anniversary with a special concert Isle of Klezbos: Isle of Manhattan! at Joe's Pub on Thursday, October 25 at 7:00 PM featuring returning guest artist Natalia Zukerman. The band and spellbinding singer-songwriter - whose father, the classical violinist Pinchas Zukerman, is the son of a Polish-born klezmer player - first melded musical minds earlier this year, exploring poignant Yiddish roots and hidden gems from vintage soundtracks, personal histories, vivid resistance narratives, and soulful sounds of liberation. Spreading joy coast to coast this anniversary year, ISLE of KLEZBOS  latest repertoire also features original klezmer bugalu (boogaloo), lesser-known bawdy traditionals, and luscious retakes on irresistible Eastern European swing and tango. Natalia brings vibrant stories and tunes from her powerful multi-media performance, "The Women Who Rode Away," including lush arrangements with backing Klezbos bandmates. The studio project is scheduled for release later this year. Tickets are available at JoesPub.com HERE.

South Street Seaport Museum Announces Panel Discussion 'Walking a Tightrope'

The South Street Seaport Museum announces a panel discussion that will explore the unique challenges in public engagement faced by cultural institutions that are also historic sites.This panel discussion is presented as part of Archtober 2018 at the Seaport Museum. The event will be held onThursday, October 11, 6:30pm in the Seaport Museum's Melville Gallery at 213 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. Doors open at 6:15 PM. Tickets are $25 for adults; $10 for members of the Seaport Museum, Tenement Museum, and Museum of Eldridge Street (contact your member institution for discount details).

New York City-Based Arts, Cultural Organizations Launch Coalition Supporting Immigrant Arts

The Immigrant Arts Coalition, an activism support group comprised of New York City-based cultural organizations, has unveiled an agenda aiming to recognize the important and ongoing contribution of immigrant artists and arts organizations representing America's diverse cultural mosaic.

New York City-Based Arts, Cultural Organizations To Launch Coalition Supporting Immigrant Arts

A coalition of New York City-based cultural organizations will hold a kick-off breakfast on Tuesday, February 6 to unveil an agenda to support immigrant contributions to the arts in the United States of America. The Immigrant Arts Coalition aims to recognize the important and ongoing contribution of artists and arts organizations representing America's diverse cultural mosaic.

On Site Opera To Present Ricky Ian Gordon's 'Morning Star' At The Eldridge St. Synagogue

Known for pioneering rare and captivating site-specific performances, On Site Opera (OSO) will produce the New York premiere (and the first production since its world premiere) of Ricky Ian Gordon's Morning Star on March 21-22, and 25, 2018, at the Eldridge Street Synagogue, in partnership with the Museum at Eldridge Street.

Photos and Video: Immigrant Arts Coalition Formed at National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene's Arts Summit; Watch John Leguizamo's Keynote Speech!

At a plenary session today, participants in the first Immigration Arts Summit, conceived and hosted by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene at the Museum of Jewish Heritage on Monday and Tuesday, agreed to formally organize as an Immigrant Arts Coalition, a network of arts organizations and individual artists that produce ethnic-based art from other cultures for New York audiences. Scroll down for photos and footage of the announcement and the summit, featuring keynote speaker John Leguizamo!

National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene's AMERIKE Extends Downtown Run

The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF) is extending the Off-Broadway run of the musical "Amerike -- The Golden Land" through Sunday August 20.

Lower East Side History Month 2017 Events Announced

Over eighty local museums, cultural groups, community organizations, gardens, and small businesses are participating in the 4th Annual Lower East Side History Month! For a full listing of all events and details, please go to www.leshistorymonth.org


Museum at Eldridge Street Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to Museum at Eldridge Street

The closest subway stops to the Museum at Eldridge Street, located at 12 Eldridge St in New York City, are:

1. Grand Street Station (B/D trains) - This station is just a short walk away from the museum. Exit the station and head east on Grand Street until you reach Eldridge Street.

2. East Broadway Station (F train) - This station is also within walking distance of the museum. From the station, walk north on Rutgers Street and then turn left onto Eldridge Street.

Both of these subway stops provide convenient access to the Museum at Eldridge Street.

While you're in the area, I recommend exploring the Lower East Side, a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history and diverse culinary scene. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Katz's Delicatessen - A legendary Jewish deli known for its delicious pastrami sandwiches and pickles. Don't forget to grab a ticket at the entrance!

2. Russ & Daughters - A century-old appetizing store that offers an array of smoked fish, caviar, bagels, and other Jewish specialties.

3. Essex Market - A bustling marketplace with a wide selection of food vendors, offering everything from fresh produce to international cuisine.

4. Tenement Museum - A fascinating museum that tells the stories of immigrants who lived in the tenement building at 97 Orchard Street. It offers guided tours that provide a glimpse into the lives of these early New Yorkers.

For the latest subway updates and service changes, I recommend visiting the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at https://new.mta.info/. This website provides real-time updates, maps, and other useful information to help you navigate the subway system efficiently.

Enjoy your visit to the Museum at Eldridge Street and the vibrant Lower East Side!


What's the best way to get to Museum at Eldridge Street by bus?

The closest bus stops to the Museum at Eldridge Street, located at 12 Eldridge St in New York City, are:

1. Allen St/Canal St: served by the M15 and M15-SBS buses. You can check for updates on the M15 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400001).

2. Grand St/Forsyth St: served by the M14A-SBS and M14D buses. You can check for updates on the M14A-SBS bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400002) and the M14D bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400003).

Please note that bus schedules and routes may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit. Enjoy your time at the Museum at Eldridge Street!


How much time should I plan to spend at Museum at Eldridge Street?

The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the Museum at Eldridge Street in New York City is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. This should give you enough time to explore the museum's exhibits, learn about the history of the Eldridge Street Synagogue, and appreciate the stunning architecture of this National Historic Landmark.

During your visit, you can take a guided tour or explore the museum at your own pace. The knowledgeable staff and interactive exhibits will provide you with a fascinating insight into the immigrant experience and the cultural significance of this historic site.

If you have more time to spare, you can also participate in one of the museum's educational programs or attend a special event. However, for a general visit, allocating 1 to 1.5 hours should be sufficient to fully appreciate the Museum at Eldridge Street.


Can I bring food and drinks into Museum at Eldridge Street?

The Museum at Eldridge Street does not have a food or drink policy. However, please note that food and drinks are not allowed in the main sanctuary area of the museum. If you are planning to visit the museum, we recommend enjoying your food and drinks before or after your visit at one of the many fantastic restaurants and cafes in the surrounding Lower East Side neighborhood.


Does Museum at Eldridge Street offer luggage storage?

The Museum at Eldridge Street does not have a dedicated luggage storage facility. However, there are several options available nearby where you can securely store your luggage while you explore the museum and its surrounding area.

One option is to use a luggage storage service such as Vertoe or LuggageHero. These services provide convenient and secure storage locations throughout the city, including near the Museum at Eldridge Street. You can easily find and book a storage spot through their websites or mobile apps.

Another option is to check if your hotel offers luggage storage services. Many hotels in New York City provide this service for their guests, even if you are not staying there on the day of your visit to the museum. It's always a good idea to check with your hotel in advance to see if they can accommodate your luggage storage needs.

Lastly, if you prefer to have your luggage with you, the museum does have a coat check where you can leave smaller items like bags, backpacks, and coats. However, please note that larger suitcases or bulky items may not be allowed inside the museum and it's best to check with the museum staff beforehand.

Remember to plan ahead and consider your luggage storage options to ensure a hassle-free visit to the Museum at Eldridge Street and enjoy your time exploring the rich history and cultural heritage it offers.


Is Museum at Eldridge Street a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, the Museum at Eldridge Street is a great destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. Located in the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue on the Lower East Side, this museum offers a unique glimpse into the immigrant experience in New York City.

The museum provides multilingual tours and audio guides in several languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Hebrew. These resources allow visitors to fully understand and appreciate the exhibits and the history of the synagogue. Additionally, the museum staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always ready to assist visitors with any questions or language barriers they may encounter.

The Eldridge Street Synagogue itself is a stunning architectural gem, with its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate woodwork. It is truly a sight to behold, and visitors of all backgrounds can appreciate its historical and cultural significance.

So, whether you're a non-English speaker or visiting from another country, the Museum at Eldridge Street is a must-visit destination that offers a rich and immersive experience in New York City's history and heritage.


What ages are appropriate for Museum at Eldridge Street?

The Museum at Eldridge Street in New York City is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages! While there is no specific recommended age range, the museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to adults.

For families with children, the museum offers engaging and interactive exhibits that provide a fun and educational experience. Kids can explore the history of the Eldridge Street Synagogue, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about the cultural heritage of the Lower East Side.

Adults and history enthusiasts will appreciate the museum's focus on preserving and sharing the history of Jewish immigration and the role of the Eldridge Street Synagogue in the community. The stunning architecture and rich history of the building make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in New York City's cultural heritage.

Overall, the Museum at Eldridge Street is a great place for visitors of all ages to learn, explore, and appreciate the history and culture of New York City. So, whether you're traveling with your family or exploring on your own, be sure to add this gem to your itinerary!


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