jewish museum of australia

Patrick_Sharon

Located on a quiet residential street, this small museum offered some interesting bit and bobs. Check it out!

Aussie Bronza

We organised a guided tour here for our bicycle group. Two guides led 21 of us around in separate groups for 45 mins each, to look at the museum and then the Warhol exhibition. Thoughtfully, the centre welcomed us to bring our bicycles into the rear entry for ease and security. The museum provides a rich history of Judaism in Australia and the guides are knowledgable and skilled communicators. I particularly found the traditions of ceremonies and practices around food consumption fascinating. The Warhol exhibition (until April 2015) was interactive and interesting. I liked the inclusion of the brainstorming wall looking for the Ten Jewish Genuises of USA and learning why Bob Dylan got removed from the list. The only slight disappointment was that we had booked a synagogue tour and were informed when we arrived it was not possible as there was a private function. It was a surprise as the booking had been confirmed again four days prior to the trip. Overall, a fascinating collection of many different pieces of history of Jewish Australia.

MelbourneSeashell

This is a great museum to learn about Judaism and Jews in Australia. The displays are clear and well presented and there is always a guide on hand if you need mor explanation

Burgundy4

Interesting for a visit. Make sure you do the synagogue tour. We did with Hymie and it was most informative. Museum also interesting.

Alys-Schatzi

Apart from its permanent exhibits this museum (open Tuesday to Sunday) displays temporary exhibits in its downstairs space. Some shows are mounted by locals, others are travelling from interstate (eg the Blake Prize for Religious Art came from Sydney in 2013) or overseas. I've been to shows of paintings and photography. Invariably I go upstairs to revisit the permanent exhibits while I'm there. The museum's shop offers some good-quality craft items. If you're in Melbourne for a while you could consider taking one of the museum's education courses; see the website for current offerings.

57sofiah

We managed to learn alot about Jewish culture, it is very interesting. Very different from any other religion. Even though it shares similaries with both Islam and Christianity

defa45

The care taken at the Jewish Museum to tell the story of the Jewish diaspora is very powerful. Although I am not A Jew, I was overcome with emotion.

SMPerle

IF there is a Jewish museum in cities I visit around the world I try to stop by. During my second trip to Melbourne the museum showed up as an attraction near my hotel. I walked over and am glad I did. There is a nice history of Jews in Australia. Seems the first shipment of convicts had a Jew. The museum does explain things so that non-Jews would understand. To me the most interesting display was about a Austrian girl writing to a pen pal in Australia as the nightmare of the anschluss and Germany's attempt to murder all European Jews began. The Jewish girl and her family were trying to get the Australians to help get them out of German control. The father was a physician and thus a desirable émigré to Australia but unfortunately antisemitism in Australia ultimately meant the demise of most members of this family as the government wouldn't grant them a visa. I had a lovely conversation with some of the volunteers in the museum. Very much worth a visit - although small it is a modern well done museum.

PolichronisV

Liked everything, including the artwork…. admire the man who could actually sell that to someone…. well done.

mitch507

Ended up here by accident when looking for the holocaust museumGlad we did. Fascinating history of judaism, especially in australiaWell worth the visit, I'm aiming on going back. Ran out of time.

noosagirlNoosaQld

We really enjoyed our visit to the Jewish Museum. I like learning as much as possible about the Jewish history and culture.

globetrotter94

This is a small museum which introduces the visitor to Jewish history, life and observance through educative displays. I found some most unusual items on view, some of which I had not seen elsewhere. And, artefacts covered Jewish origins as far flung as China, India and Yemen. There is space devoted to Jewish immigrants to Victoria and their contribution to society. Tags on which visitors write their family place of origin and why they came to Australia are both touching and are interesting to read. This Museum hosts groups of school children and adults and conducts temporary exhibitions and events. There are volunteer guides who are happy to escort visitors or answer questions. Chatting with some of them was as rewarding as the exhibits themselves. The museum is easy to reach from Melbourne CBD by trams 3 or 67, stop 32 and is near St Kilda Beach.

Pinkertons0

Reaaly wellplanned and set out. Volunteer guides are just wonderful in helping you understand. Would benefit anyone wanting history of jewish folk coming th australia.

Rhonda028

The JMA is wonderful museum, and shows the impact the Jewish Community has had onAustralian Society ! Well worth a visit! There is a permanent exhibition, and many temporaryexhibits to appeal to everyone, locals and tourists!

janc295

Bringing to reality things I had only read about and the presentation of the talent our Jewish Community brings to us.