Located within the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Museum at Eldridge Street presents the history & culture of the great wave of Jewish immigrants to the Lower East Side. Nearly lost over time, this landmark has been restored to its original grandeur.
“It was as though the synagogue was held up by strings from heaven,” said Roberta Brandes Gratz, founder of the Museum at Eldridge Street, of her first impression of the synagogue in the early 1980s. Pigeons roosted in the balconies, benches were covered with dust, and stained glass windows had warped with time.
Early investigations showed that emergency stabilization was needed; if no work were done, the building would collapse. Public interest in the synagogue’s fate grew, and by 1986 the Eldridge Street Project was formed.
The Museum at Eldridge Street conducted emergency repairs, and secured National Historic Landmark designation for the building. The Museum also gained recognition of the synagogue from the U.S. Department of the Interior, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the City of New York – for its architectural beauty, its significance as part of the American immigrant experience, and its revitalization as a vital heritage center for people of all backgrounds.
The Museum at Eldridge Street’s restoration campaign, conducted over a 20 year period, raised $17.5 million dollars. Six million dollars in funding was provided by the City of New York. Other support came from state, federal, corporate and foundation sources, and donations from more than 18,000 supporters from around the country.
In recognition of the completion of the building’s restoration and the expansion of cultural and educational programs that serve a broad audience, the Eldridge Street Project has been renamed the Museum at Eldridge Street.
Exhibits & Programs
Along with guided tours of the Synagogue, the Museum features new exhibits and programs. The Gural-Rabinowitz Family History Center features photographs and artifacts that tell the story of Jewish migration to America through the lens of the family. An animated 12-minute film by artist Rose Bond is an evocative portrait of the 120-year-old synagogue and its dynamic immigrant neighborhood.
A new Limud (Learning) Center in the building’s lower level features interactive exhibits on Lower East Side history and synagogue design. These “History Tables” explore the social, political and religious life of the turn-of-the-twentieth-century Lower East Side, as well as synagogue practice and design. Created by Potion Design, the Museum’s “History Tables” received the American Association of Museum’s Gold Muse Award for interactive installations. The historic women’s balcony is home to the Lise and Jeffrey Wilks Gallery with an inaugural exhibit on the Eldridge Street Synagogue restoration.
The Family History Center is supported by a generous grant from the Gural and Rabinowitz Families - Aaron Gural Foundation - Paula and Jeffrey Gural - Barbara Gural - Jane Gural Senders - New Tudor Foundation - Grandchildren of Maurice Rabinowitz - Spear - Sun Hill Foundation.
The Museum at Eldridge Street is honored to share this landmark space with Congregation Kahal Adath Jeshurun, which has met continuously for Sabbath and holiday services since the building first opened more than a century ago.
©2008, Museum at Eldridge Street