The Museum at Eldridge Street is housed in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the first grand house of worship purpose-built by Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the United States. Opened in 1887 and designated a National Historic Landmark, the building was lovingly restored through a 20-year, $20 million project that returned its breathtaking interior to public life.
The sanctuary features Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque architectural elements, over 60 stained-glass windows, a 75-bulb chandelier, and a remarkable 2010 east window designed by artists Kiki Smith and Deborah Gans, composed of more than 1,200 pieces of glass. The museum shares the space with Congregation K'Hal Adath Jeshurun, which continues to hold Sabbath and holiday services as it has since opening day.
Families with children ages 8 and up will find the museum especially rewarding. Docent-led tours run Sunday through Friday on the hour, and self-guided tours are available via the Bloomberg Connects app. Every Sunday at 1pm, the Preservation Detectives family program offers an interactive tour combining architecture, history, and Jewish culture with a monthly art-making activity. Private group tours, K–12 school programs, Lower East Side walking tours, and the beloved annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams and Empanadas Festival (free, every June) round out the programming calendar.
Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, $8 for children ages 5–17, and free for children under 5. Pay-What-You-Wish admission is offered on Mondays (and possibly Fridays — confirm on the official website). Note that Friday closing time varies across sources; verify current hours at eldridgestreet.org before visiting.
