Plan Your Visit
Masks are encouraged but not required at the Center for Jewish History.
Please avoid visiting the Center for Jewish History if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have been in close contact (within 6 feet for 10 minutes or more) with someone infected with or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
Guests who require special accommodation should call Visitor Services at (212) 294-8301, to schedule an appointment in advance.
The Center for Jewish History is located at 15 West 16th St. in Manhattan's Union Square neighborhood.
Monday-Thursday: 9:30am-4:30pm
Walk-ins are permitted, based on availability, though appointments are recommended.
Exhibition spaces are now open. Visitors are encouraged to register for advance tickets. Please present mobile or printed tickets for entry. Guests may also register at the front desk upon arrival.
Mon-Wed: 9:30am-4:30pm
Thurs: 9:30am-8pm
Fri: 10am-3pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: 11am-5pm
Last entry to the Center for Jewish History exhibition spaces is 30 minutes before closing.
Make sure to check our holiday closures prior to visiting.
Free guided tours of the Center are available on Thursdays at 2 pm. Advance tickets required here.
Please note our new mandatory safety requirements in the Important Update section above.
Coat check is available to guests, but we ask that you leave suitcases, large bags, and items such as bicycles, scooters, and skateboards at home.
All bags, briefcases, purses, and strollers are subject to search. Any person who causes a disturbance will be asked to leave.
The following items are not permitted in the Center for Jewish History:
Wheelchairs are available to those who need them. Please ask the Front Desk when you arrive. If you need additional assistance call (212) 294-8301.
The Center for Jewish History has a designated family room for nursing mothers and caregivers who need a private space to feed infants and young children.
The Center offers specially designed in-person tours on Thursdays at 2 pm that allow the visitor to view the exhibitions of four of our distinguished partners, American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. The tour lasts 1 to 1 ½ hours and includes a tour of the facilities and exhibitions, the Collection Management and Conservation Wing, the Lillian Goldman Reading Room and the Ackman & Ziff Family Genealogy Institute. Tours are led by trained, experienced docents. Advance registration required here.
4,5,6, L, N, Q, and R trains to the 14th Street and Union Square station.
F, M, L, and PATH trains to the 14th Street and 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) station.
1, 2, and 3 trains to the 14th Street and 7th Avenue station.
Fifth Avenue
M1, M2, and M3 to 17th Street
Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas)
M7 and M55 to 15th Street
14th Street
M14 bus to 5th Avenue
The Center is able to offer visitors discounted parking at the following location:
SP+ Parking
20 East 16th Street between 5th Ave. and Union Square West
$30.00 (Maximum of 8 Hours)
Coupon required, more info can be found here
Overnight free parking is available on 16th and 17th Streets subject to parking regulations between 6 pm and 7 am but not allowed during the day. Metered parking can be found on 5th Avenue and on 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas). Parking is free on Sundays.
All coats and bags must be checked for the Reading Room and Genealogy Institute. Backpacks and larger bags are not permitted in the gallery spaces. Unless otherwise noted, non-flash photography is permitted for noncommercial use only.
The Center for Jewish History is closed on Saturdays and all major Jewish and national holidays.
Please feel free to contact us at (212) 294-8301 for more information.