WASHINGTON — A new museum is opening its doors in D.C. this week. The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum opens to to the public Friday. It's the first museum in D.C. dedicated to the story of Jewish life in the nation's capital region.
The museum, located at the corner of 3rd and F Streets Northwest, will welcome visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore and connect with local Jewish history and the intersections between cultural identity and social activism.
Featuring interactive tables, film, historic photographs and artifacts, the museum dives deep into history while also creating a space for current policy discussion with cutting-edge new technology and exhibit design.
The 32,000-square-foot, four floor space features three floors of exhibition galleries and the largest and best-known artifact — Washington's oldest purpose-built synagogue, which has been moved to its new location and restored.
The museum's collection includes more than 24,000 digital and print photographs, 1,050 objects and 800 linear feet of archival materials from the 1850s to present day, including oral histories, personal papers and business and organizational records.
The inaugural min exhibition, Connect. Reflect. Act. takes over the second floor of the new building with dramatic color, interactive features and a plethora of historical and contemporary photography.
Beyond the galleries, rotating workshop experiences in the Community Action Lab will provide families and school groups with facilitated and free-form tinkering activities that enable a closer examination of primary sources related to Washington's Jewish history, Jewish holiday-related arts and activities and themes explored in the museum's exhibitions and projects.
The museum's public opening coincides with the historic synagogue's dedication on June 9, 1876. Admission to the museum is free. The cost to special exhibitions and programs vary.
For more information, visit the museum's website.
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