Museum at Eldridge Street
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Great lesser-known museum with a lot of interesting and authentic history. Guided tour was informative and memorable, with an astute balance between discussing the things you could see in front of you, and discussing people, cultures and past events. Beautiful stained glass and decorative elements, many with cultural significance.
Beautiful, historic synagogue in the Lower East Side/Chinatown. Absolutely worth visiting, and the docent tour is wonderfully informative and very interesting.
Of the many places of worship in NYC this is included in my lists of the most beautiful! Jaw dropping architecture, interiors & colors with a history to much. Went on a Friday which is free for Nyc residents & i booked ahead on line. The staff here are friendly & not in the way. You can book a tour too, we didn't. There are writings on the walls which are interesting reads especially if you like history. Visit can take 30-1 hour. There are bathroom down stairs. This place is a walking distance from the restaurants in Canal street. So this is a good side trip after a food trip in Chinatown.
Both the exterior and interior of this historic site are stunning. Spending an hour on the docent-led tour is key to understanding the story of the immigrants fleeing oppression in Eastern Europe and taking their place in a safe, prosperous community here. Barbara Newman was a wonderfully informative, humorous and friendly guide to every detail of the ornate architecture and the restoration process.
A historical synagogue nestled in New York's Lower East Side. It was built in 1887 by Jewish immigrants and in 1986 a thorough restoration project began after a long period of building neglect and deterioration. It's such a beautiful synagogue. The addition of the monumental circular stained glass window designed by artist Kiki Smith and architect Deborah Gans marked the end of the restoration project. The exhibits here highlight how this glass window came to be as well as the rigorous process of preserving intricate details of the synagogue. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. $15 general admission.
My wife and I were looking for somewhere else to visit while in Chinatown and saw a post about this museum. It's a restored synagogue and absolutely gorgeous. The staff were welcoming and friendly, explaining a bit about the history and giving us programs for the self-guided tour when we entered. We were able to walk around and could feel a sense of reverence once we entered the main space with its restored windows and ceiling. There is also currently an exhibit of historic menorahs from around the world. Everything about this building draws the eyes upward and the light through the windows could not be more beautiful. Before we left, the docent staffing the main register was happy to answer some of my questions about the restoration and the use of paint or wallpaper on surfaces. Highly recommend visiting for an afternoon!
I'd been thinking about visiting this museum for several years years. It's a beautiful place that is no longer used for religious services. I took the docent tour and recommend doing so if you have the time. It's looked on the Lower East Side in what was Americas most famous Jewish neighborhood . The neighborhood is now essentially an annex of Chinatown, therefore a lot of places to eat including some Vietnamese places. Walk north to Canal Street then go East to an area that I think is called Dime Square. That has developed into a mini restaurant district. Quite interesting and pedestrianized at night.
This museum is located inside the Eldridge Street Synagogue. I think the museum opened about 15 years ago. The architecture with its ornate style wood and very nice glass windows which are very colorful make for some nice photography. I got a little creative with the shots with some closeups on the colorful glass.
I believe once upon of time this was an operating synagogue. It is nested in Chinatown, NYC. It is a beautiful synagogue. and is a piece of history. When you go to the first and second floors (not the admission floor), notice the creaking floors. Those floors were the original floors. I was told they kept it to keep the old times that showcases how it feels to walk on those floors back then. Inside the church, it showcases the history of Jewish immigration. If you come here on Monday, admission is free by donation. If you come on other days, it is $15. They also have tours by registration.
Beautiful, unique, and perfect for taking beautiful photos. I'm told the tours are great, but they are currently suspended right now. There is an online guide you can get with a QR code, and it is basic, but sufficient. Everyone on site is very friendly and helpful. There is a small museum on the first floor. June is pay what you wish month, but it's normally 15 dollars. Time slots can be arranged online and are 45 minutes long. During my time, only one other single woman and a man with two teens were there.
The visit to the Eldridge Synagogue was the highlight of our walking adventure through the Lower East side . Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about his subject and his technique of asking questions kept everyone involved. The temple itself is a magnificent building with a mix of original and modern artifacts. We brought two 12 year olds and they said this was their favorite part of our day!
This museum/synagogue is small and casual, yet filled with information and knowledge! It's a great way to learn about the local Jewish community and what Chinatown was like before it was actually Chinatown, because - surprise, surprise - Jews were there first! They give free tours for forty-five minutes, and Jaime was my guide. She was so sweet and informative! They also have a coat check and some books and stickers for sale. Overview of the synagogue is that there was an influx of Eastern European Jewish immigrants starting in the 1880s, and they, along with Irish and Italian people, lived in the LES because it was cheap and clean. They built a synagogue on Allen Street, and then they moved that one to Eldridge Street to make a more complete one. The exterior has Moorish and Gothic features, along with numerical Jewish symbols. Jaime taught me about the menorahs that were donated, the kosher beef boycott that took place, the features of the synagogue, like the beemah, arc, windows, vestibule, floor grooves, and walnut wood chairs. Fun fact: the seatings have holy trinity holes because the synagogue ordered them from church catalogs because there were no synagogue catalogs, without knowing what they were, so now they say it represents the three forefathers of Judaism! I think anyone can benefit from visiting. It's a very interesting and pretty landmark with a rich history. I'd suggest setting an hour max aside. L'chaim.
2 months ago
I have wanted to see the Museum at Eldridge Street for quite awhile, but it's just never worked out before. I booked a guided tour because I enjoy hearing the backstory and history of buildings. We were running 30 minutes late, but luckily we were able to join the already in progress tour. Elaine was a very knowledgeable, enthusiast guide. We learned a lot about Jewish history and the building of the synagogue. Our favorite part was being able to see the inside of the beautiful synagogue. Luckily this treasure was restored and not allowed to fall into disrepair for the benefit of all who are privileged to see it. It's a beautiful look into yesteryear. read more
1 year ago
Built in the late 1880s by Eastern European immigrants, the Eldridge Street Synagogue was a symbol of religious freedom for the masses of Jewish people who came to the Lower East Side. About a hundred years later it was renovated to bring the structure back to its former glory; its beauty is undeniable with the focal point being the blue stained-glass window. If detailed interiors are your things, check out the painted arches & ornate woodwork on the balcony that holds the second level of pews. The museum is located on the lower level where the flooring is original to the building. When we went, there was a sizable exhibit of mezuzahs, scrolls placed on the doorpost of a Jewish home. The synagogue is a piece of living history. Its preservation ensures that generations to come can visit & learn the stories of immigration to this neighborhood. Take a docent-led tour or a self-guided one like we did. $15 admission fee, pay what you wish on Mondays & Fridays. read more
8 months ago
Great lesser-known museum with a lot of interesting and authentic history. Guided tour was informative and memorable, with an astute balance between discussing the things you could see in front of you, and discussing people, cultures and past events. Beautiful stained glass and decorative elements, many with cultural significance. read more
11 months ago
Had a very insightful visit, the tour with Barbara was fascinating. The Synagogue is beautiful and the tour provided incredible information about the history. read more
2 years ago
Beautiful, historic synagogue in the Lower East Side/Chinatown. Absolutely worth visiting, and the docent tour is wonderfully informative and very interesting. read more
Of the many places of worship in NYC this is included in my lists of the most beautiful! Jaw dropping architecture, interiors & colors with a history to much. Went on a Friday which is free for Nyc residents & i booked ahead on line. The staff here are friendly & not in the way. You can book a tour too, we didn't. There are writings on the walls which are interesting reads especially if you like history. Visit can take 30-1 hour. There are bathroom down stairs. This place is a walking distance from the restaurants in Canal street. So this is a good side trip after a food trip in Chinatown. read more
1 year ago
Both the exterior and interior of this historic site are stunning. Spending an hour on the docent-led tour is key to understanding the story of the immigrants fleeing oppression in Eastern Europe and taking their place in a safe, prosperous community here. Barbara Newman was a wonderfully informative, humorous and friendly guide to every detail of the ornate architecture and the restoration process. read more
5 years ago
A historical synagogue nestled in New York's Lower East Side. It was built in 1887 by Jewish immigrants and in 1986 a thorough restoration project began after a long period of building neglect and deterioration. It's such a beautiful synagogue. The addition of the monumental circular stained glass window designed by artist Kiki Smith and architect Deborah Gans marked the end of the restoration project. The exhibits here highlight how this glass window came to be as well as the rigorous process of preserving intricate details of the synagogue. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. $15 general admission. read more
2 years ago
My wife and I were looking for somewhere else to visit while in Chinatown and saw a post about this museum. It's a restored synagogue and absolutely gorgeous. The staff were welcoming and friendly, explaining a bit about the history and giving us programs for the self-guided tour when we entered. We were able to walk around and could feel a sense of reverence once we entered the main space with its restored windows and ceiling. There is also currently an exhibit of historic menorahs from around the world. Everything about this building draws the eyes upward and the light through the windows could not be more beautiful. Before we left, the docent staffing the main register was happy to answer some of my questions about the restoration and the use of paint or wallpaper on surfaces. Highly recommend visiting for an afternoon! read more
I'd been thinking about visiting this museum for several years years. It's a beautiful place that is no longer used for religious services. I took the docent tour and recommend doing so if you have the time. It's looked on the Lower East Side in what was Americas most famous Jewish neighborhood . The neighborhood is now essentially an annex of Chinatown, therefore a lot of places to eat including some Vietnamese places. Walk north to Canal Street then go East to an area that I think is called Dime Square. That has developed into a mini restaurant district. Quite interesting and pedestrianized at night. read more
This museum is located inside the Eldridge Street Synagogue. I think the museum opened about 15 years ago. The architecture with its ornate style wood and very nice glass windows which are very colorful make for some nice photography. I got a little creative with the shots with some closeups on the colorful glass. read more
11 months ago
I believe once upon of time this was an operating synagogue. It is nested in Chinatown, NYC. It is a beautiful synagogue. and is a piece of history. When you go to the first and second floors (not the admission floor), notice the creaking floors. Those floors were the original floors. I was told they kept it to keep the old times that showcases how it feels to walk on those floors back then. Inside the church, it showcases the history of Jewish immigration. If you come here on Monday, admission is free by donation. If you come on other days, it is $15. They also have tours by registration. read more
Beautiful, unique, and perfect for taking beautiful photos. I'm told the tours are great, but they are currently suspended right now. There is an online guide you can get with a QR code, and it is basic, but sufficient. Everyone on site is very friendly and helpful. There is a small museum on the first floor. June is pay what you wish month, but it's normally 15 dollars. Time slots can be arranged online and are 45 minutes long. During my time, only one other single woman and a man with two teens were there. read more
3 years ago
The visit to the Eldridge Synagogue was the highlight of our walking adventure through the Lower East side . Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about his subject and his technique of asking questions kept everyone involved. The temple itself is a magnificent building with a mix of original and modern artifacts. We brought two 12 year olds and they said this was their favorite part of our day! read more
This museum/synagogue is small and casual, yet filled with information and knowledge! It's a great way to learn about the local Jewish community and what Chinatown was like before it was actually Chinatown, because - surprise, surprise - Jews were there first! They give free tours for forty-five minutes, and Jaime was my guide. She was so sweet and informative! They also have a coat check and some books and stickers for sale. Overview of the synagogue is that there was an influx of Eastern European Jewish immigrants starting in the 1880s, and they, along with Irish and Italian people, lived in the LES because it was cheap and clean. They built a synagogue on Allen Street, and then they moved that one to Eldridge Street to make a more complete one. The exterior has Moorish and Gothic features, along with numerical Jewish symbols. Jaime taught me about the menorahs that were donated, the kosher beef boycott that took place, the features of the synagogue, like the beemah, arc, windows, vestibule, floor grooves, and walnut wood chairs. Fun fact: the seatings have holy trinity holes because the synagogue ordered them from church catalogs because there were no synagogue catalogs, without knowing what they were, so now they say it represents the three forefathers of Judaism! I think anyone can benefit from visiting. It's a very interesting and pretty landmark with a rich history. I'd suggest setting an hour max aside. L'chaim. read more
1 year ago
7 years ago
Hidden gem and a must see, if you live in NYC. Especially, if you live in the Lower East Side. This is right down the block on Eldridge street. There is so much history, history I was completely unaware of. This is a museum about Jewish NYC and immigration stories, which I think is so profoundly important in these current times. Not only is it informational but it's also extremely beautiful. There are free tours and on Monday's it's "pay as you wish" aka FREE. Highly recommended! read more
Amazing museum dedicated to the history of a beautiful synagogue in the Lower East Side. The synagogue was one of the first opened in the United States by Ashkenazim (Eastern European Jews); most earlier synagogues were opened by Sephardim (Jews of Spanish or Portuguese descent). It opened in 1887 as an Orthodox congregation and it has served as a synagogue ever since. However, the membership dwindled as many Jews left the Lower East Side and the sanctuary fell into disrepair and was closed off in the 1950s (services continued to be held in the basement). In 1986, a foundation was created to restore the sanctuary, and the gorgeous restoration was completed in 2007 (after $20 millions went into the building). They have tours on the hour, which take you around the basement (which has historical objects, a few videos, and more) and then into the sanctuary. While our tour guide was lovely, she essentially read signs to us that we could have read ourselves, so you're not missing much if you miss the tour and walk and read everything yourself. But the highlight of the museum is that beautiful sanctuary. Beautifully restored to its Moorish Revival glory, there's so much to look at! Gorgeous woodwork, beautiful stained glass, restored original chandeliers, faux-woodgraining and faux-marbelizing, stenciling, and more. The most stunning thing in the sanctuary? A STUNNING stained glass window designed by artist Kiki Smith that is composed of 1,200 pieces of stained glass adhered with silicone and set in a steel frame. It is the only 21st century addition to the otherwise historically preserved sanctuary, and it's stunning. There's a film about it that you can watch in the basement museum. This museum is unique and certainly worth a visit. A gem for anyone interested in Jewish American history or the history of the Lower East Side/New York City. read more
4 years ago
Gorgeous historical building and I've heard great things about the tour. Unfortunately didn't have time to take one but I'll be back for sure! read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
Gorgeous and full of history. Tour guide was excellent. I learned so much about the it's culture and lower east side history. A hidden gem. read more
After living in NY for 20 years and leaving for 10 and now back in NY as a tourist. My husband being of the Jewish Faith has known about this Synagogue, but have never been there. We finally were able to get to see and it was well worth it especially for him, reading the history and for me seeing the beautiful stained glass and reading about the renovations fascinated me. We did not opt to do the tour, rather walked around ourselves. Its a small Synagogue and does not require a lot of time to tour and enjoy, but well worth it especially when you are in the heart of Chinatown and some of the best Deli's and Pickles in NYC. read more
If you go! Definitely book the tour. We learned so much from Scott and was truly immersed in the history of The Museum at Eldridge. I would 1000% recommend. They also have pay what you wish on Monday's and are open 6/7 days a week. We also took some amazing videos and pictures. The museum itself has so much history and artwork. While it is smaller than other museums, this one happens to be a synagogue and it was my first time ever inside of one. I don't often get to appreciate synagogues and I am so honored to be walking inside of this one. It was located in Chinatown and it was quite empty. I would recommend going during the winter time so you have the space to yourself. read more
5 years ago
I was looking up things to do in Chinatown and stumbled upon this museum. I didn't do any research at all and was expecting something related to China or asians, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was a museum about the Jewish immigrants and the church that was restored Not expecting anything at all, I got the digital tour on my phone and walked to the first tour point. Wow, I was mesmerized by the circular mural at the top. It was so beautiful. I came to learn as I went through the tour that the mural was actually an addition during the restoration of the church. I spent a couple hours here and read through the whole digital tour and really soaked in everything. I had a great time here and would definitely recommend you check it out! read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
It was a brief tour. We really didn't get a chance to review all that it has to offer because of the crowd - as it was Egg, Eggcream & Empanada Festival. There were lots of stairs, a line for the bathroom and the traffic was horrendous - not enough space to accommodate the crowd. We met a lovely woman who recommended a near by Chinese restaurant called Lam Zhao (see my next review) - you just never know who you'll meet! read more
7 years ago
4 years ago
I love this "museum"! It's still an active and STUNNING Jewish synagogue today. I highly recommend watching the documentary (3 video clips) in their library before joining their hourly tours. They go into detail on how they stepped into an abandoned time capsule in the 1980s and gradually, over the course of 20 years and $20 million, restored the synagogue. A lot of manual labor went into this project as many of the pieces were restored by hand. Even the walls were painted by hand to look like marble. Because of the videos, I was able to fully enjoy the tour a lot more and appreciate my surroundings. The entrance and tour begins on the lower level where they also have a small exhibition illustrating the Eastern European Jewish migration in the 19th and 20th century and their adjustment to life in NYC. It's funny how the exterior of this synagogue resembles the one in Brussels, Belgium, where many of them fled to and departed for the Americas. The synagogue itself will take your breath away once you walk up to the ground floor. The eye-opening circular stained glass window in front is beautiful and mesmerizing with the Star of David in the center. Admissions is $10 ($8 for students) and pay-as-you-wish on Mondays. They have tours on the hour and are opened 10am-5pm with shorter hours on Friday and Saturday off for the Sabbath. Don't forget to come 20 minutes before the hour to watch the videos! Note: Yelp check-in offer is 25% off admissions but only on for Tues-Thurs. read more
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More info about Museum at Eldridge Street
12 Eldridge St
New York, NY 10002
Chinatown, Lower East Side
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(212) 219-0302
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https://www.eldridgestreet.org
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