Jewish Museum of Australia image

Jewish Museum of Australia

Tourist attraction Museum

Museum since 1977 exploring Australia's Jewish culture & history through exhibits, programs & tours. People often mention Jewish, museum, exhibition, interesting, visit, history, culture, informative, Judaism, Melbourne,


Address

26 Alma Rd, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Website

www.jewishmuseum.com.au

Contact

+61 3 8534 3600

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (214 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Jewish (32) museum (29) exhibition (28) interesting (19) visit (19) history (14) culture (14) informative (12) Judaism (12) Melbourne (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Estella C. 2 years ago on Google • 78 reviews
    First time at the jewish museum and can say that I will definitely go back. Lots of interesting facts abou their history and culture. Ian and Roberta are amazing, they were patient answering all our questions and explaining facts their migration to Australia. We were even invited to the synagogue! I don’t have any polish background or Jewish family however I respect this people for all they have been through and their resilience to cope and keep the community together.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Khoa N. 5 years ago on Google
    Every human being has limited time and energy. To undertake the limitation of energy, we collaborate with other people to create a gestalt. I always wonder the solutions for that of time. Today visiting the Jewish museum and their Synagogue, I figured out one key answer is to build a strong culture for the next generations. A collective unconsciousness for open-minded thoughts.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Two S. 9 months ago on Google • 1173 reviews
    Had an excellent visit here today. We loved the Chagall exhibition. It was well set out and informative. The permanent exhibits were really interesting too. This museum is a must visit

  • 4/5 M L. 4 years ago on Google • 308 reviews
    Having a Polish Jewish grandparent that survived WWII before migrating to Australia, I thought it would be a great idea to check this place out. Admittedly I only have limited knowledge about Judaism, but this place is fantastic. There's so much about the history of Melbourne's Jewish community and Judaism in general. They even offer a free tour of the synagogue across the road at no extra charge once per day. You should visit and support this museum and the Jewish community in Melbourne.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olivera A. 5 months ago on Google • 22 reviews
    A great museum! Excellent Marc Chagall exhibition ranging from his early days to his final works. Running alongside Chagall is an exhibition by local artist Yvette Coppersmith.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lynne P. 6 months ago on Google • 71 reviews
    This museum is well worth a visit. Try and get a 4 hour park in nearby side street (Crimea St had spaces) - there is quite a lot to see and read about in the museum. If you get to see the current Chagall exhibition then that's a bonus.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pam S. 7 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Went to see the Marc Chagall prints exhibition. Beautifully presented... it felt so immersively European I was momentarily confused when someone spoke English 🥰 Lovely venue, easy to find via public transport 👌
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Serena H. 4 months ago on Google • 354 reviews
    Thank you for existing. Happy Hanukkah!

  • 5/5 Kelly A. 2 years ago on Google
    Fascinating outing. I'm not of the Jewish faith but a co-worker of mine is and she invited me with her one afternoon. I learnt a great deal and the next week went back with my kids who also got quite an education. Fun and informative.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen V. 4 years ago on Google
    It's very interesting to see how the Jewish Community is in Australia and how the first Jews came to live here. We were lucky enough that we met Ian, a volunteer at the museum who showed us around and told us a lot of stories.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 nancy b. 5 years ago on Google
    Amy Winehouse - very nice to see her belongings
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Canal C. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is INCREDIBLE! So much biblical and cultural history of Israel, very educational! The visuals are truly stunning! Small entry fee but very worth it. Highly recommend! God bless Israel! ❤️?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lambert H. 5 years ago on Google
    A full history of Judaism in Melbourne. I also loved the visit to synagogue. Informative tours. A worthwhile visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily 4 years ago on Google
    This museum is a great place for anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism and Jewish culture. To be honest I was pretty clueless about anything in Judaism before visiting here. This place does really inform me a lot. The lady at the front counter was super friendly and lovely. Well probably every staff and volunteer in this museum is very hospitable and lovely. The guide volunteer lady was very patient and told me lots of stories and answered all of my questions. I also got a chance to visit the synagogue. On the day I visited there was one American couple who can probably be called Judaism expert (by me ?) joining the synagogue tour with me. I got to learn more about the Judaism and Jewish culture in different countries from their conversations. How lucky I was! This was definitely one of the BEST museum experiences I’ve ever had. It might not be a popular tourist spot in Melbourne, but I can say it really worth your time and money. And feel contented after visiting! Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul D. 1 year ago on Google
    I attended the Jewish Museum to see the Helmut Newton exibition and stayed on to view the whole museum. I was assisted in the Newton exibition by one of the wonderful volunteers. She was able to point out numerous insights I would have missed. Super thankful. The rest of the museum provided a great overview of the history of the Jewish faith including insights into the darkest times through world war 2. This provided a poignont counterpoint to Netwon's story, having left Germany in 1938, whilst his mentor and her husband sadly did not leave in time and did not survive the war.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mervyn R. 6 months ago on Google • 238 reviews
    I went here, with my partner, to see an exhibition, by the artist: Marc Chagall. She loved it... and I enjoyed it, as well. We looked around the rest of the museum too. Although I am not jewish, or even religious... I found it to be very interesting and informative. The museum is well put together and contains lots of interesting artefacts pertaining to judaism. It is a good starting point, if you should want to find out more about the jewish people and jewish culture. The staff were also very friendly and welcoming.

  • 5/5 Rachel R. 8 months ago on Google • 114 reviews
    The staff at the museum are very nice and helpful. Collections are crossed many areas and demonstrations of the long historical period

  • 5/5 Sandra 3 years ago on Google
    It was my first time at the Jewish Museum for the Mirka Mora exhibition which will run until December 2021. It's a beautiful curated exhibition held in a beautiful space. The staff were outstanding and engaging. Do yourself a favour and take the time to book and see this exhibition (an hour out of your time). Mirka is such an iconic part of Australian culture and well worth it!!!

  • 5/5 Elaine W. 1 year ago on Google
    A very interesting and well curated permanent exhibition of Jewish culture throughout time. Also currently on exhibition well worth a visit is Helmut Newton's photography. Very interesting. I enjoyed the series of short films before I went up to the exhibition. Perhaps the rear entrance is accessible for wheelchairs and other limited mobilities, prams etc.

  • 5/5 Brian D. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting (as a non-Jewish person). Allow at least 2 hours to see the general exhibits.

  • 5/5 Patricia B. 2 years ago on Google
    We went to the museum for The Merca Mora Exhibition. Museum easy to get to, parking could be a bit difficult on a busy day however we were all kucky and got spots just out the front total of 4 cars. Exhibition was an excellent guided experience. Our guide Kay was extremely knowledgeable of Merca's interesting life story. The incredible body of work by Merca included paintings, sculpture, and various crafts. To add to this so many letters, photos, videos of interviews, plus voice recordings of Merca talking you through her work and life. It was wonderful to hear and see the story of a wonderfully talented Melburnian, I grew up in Melbourne in the same era so it was all so familiar and evoked gorgeous memories of The Balzac and Torlano's restaurants. Don't miss it if you get the chance to go. We all agreed that we look forward to going back to the museum for future events.

  • 5/5 Linda T. 2 years ago on Google
    Always worth a visit. Permanent exhibition of Jewish history and culture. Other occasional temporary exhibitions: Mirka Mora, Amy Weinstein.

  • 5/5 Jane C. 2 years ago on Google
    I attended the museum for the Mirka Mora exhibition which was inspirational.... I then wandered through the permanent exhibits; I learned so much. As a non-Jew I thought I had a decent understanding of the culture and beliefs. I gained much more knowledge and insight, thank you!

  • 5/5 carol d. 2 years ago on Google
    A rare insight into the life of Mirka Mora, her life, her amazing artwork. She lived in StKilda an did a lot for the whole community. Unfortunately this exhibition closes end of January 2022 but well worth going to.

  • 5/5 Paul 6 years ago on Google
    Going to amy whinehouse excibition

  • 5/5 Cheryl D. 2 years ago on Google
    So lovely the Mirka exhibition was moving would go back again and again

  • 4/5 Simon B. 1 year ago on Google
    Staff most welcoming and informative..An enjoyable experience.Thanks to Staff and all involved at the Jewish Museum to get behind Helmut Newton's work.

  • 5/5 Caroline H. 2 years ago on Google
    Attended the Mirka Mora exhibition which was excellent. Also viewed the general Jewish Museum which was very interesting.

  • 4/5 Bella M. 1 year ago on Google
    Very Jewish. Almost died, but not the fault of the museum. Cool security guard guy too.

  • 5/5 Evangeline J. 1 year ago on Google
    Phenomenal gallery space with wonderful visitor service officers! Really loved the Helmut Newton exhibition at the moment!

  • 5/5 Charlotte A. 1 year ago on Google
    The mirka exhibition here I saw was one of the best I have ever seen in my life !

  • 5/5 Tamara S. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved visiting this place for an exhibition. They did a great job with a world class subject. My only comment would be the lighting wasn't good enough but you can't have everything and it was a very interesting exhibition. The permanent Jewish exhibition was also interesting.

  • 4/5 Christopher I. 1 year ago on Google
    How clever to show us the one thing missing from the Helmut Newton story his START in Melbourne....sure its less glamous, but very realistic for any pro photographer trying to make a living in our city. Thank you.

  • 5/5 Brenden R. 1 year ago on Google
    Saw the Helmut Newtown exhibition, great venue and the lady at the front desk is lovely.

  • 5/5 Glenn C. 9 months ago on Google
    Saw a great and well curated Marc Chagal exhibition mixed with interesting history collection. Well worth a visit.

  • 4/5 Liam N. 8 months ago on Google
    Very informative about Jewish culture and religious traditions. Also viewed a very well explained art exhibition. Recommended museum/art gallery lovers.

  • 5/5 Susana L. 8 months ago on Google
    Excellent guide by one of the volunteers. It's a trip to the past until the present. It made me think about my origins, even though I'm not Jewish.

  • 5/5 Heidi 7 months ago on Google
    An amazing visit with U3A, very informative, a special thank you to our guide who was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. The Chagall exhibit was absolutely wonderful, and all the staff were very helpful and friendly

  • 5/5 Larisa B. 4 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    It was wonderful to see original Chagall pieces and learn more about this important Jewish artist. I also enjoyed the permanent exhibition and learned some new things about the history of Judaism is Australia. The staff were warm and welcoming and answered all my curious kid's questions with patience and kindness and warmth.

  • 5/5 Hannah R. 4 years ago on Google
    This museum had so much insightful information about Judaism in Australia. As an American with some Jewish heritage, it was interesting to see the similarities and differences between the Jewish experience in Australia and back home. The volunteers were super knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend this museum to anyone wanting to learn more about Judaism and the cultures that make Melbourne the special place that it is!

  • 2/5 MasterMan123456 4 years ago on Google
    See

  • 5/5 Barry B. 4 years ago on Google
    The History of the Australian Jewish Community. When coming to Melbourne the Jewish Museum is a must visit. From the tour guides to all of the fascinating galleries in the museum it is exceptionally well presented.

  • 5/5 Deacon Nicholas N. 4 years ago on Google
    Very informative and detailed.

  • 3/5 Jacek W. 4 years ago on Google
    Too few exhibits, high entry price

  • 4/5 Prince Edwards toys and a. 4 years ago on Google
    It's not big but full of history with safe environment.

  • 4/5 Luke B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting, irrespective of your view it is always interesting to see another perspective. The overview from the first fleet Jews to the 1966 St Kilda grand final, Sir John Monash to Sir Zelman Cowan and not to forget John Safran, the impact within Australia of the Jewish community is amazing. To get to go on a tour of the synagogue was amazing, the information that was given by our guide made for such an interesting time, pity it was cut short.

  • 5/5 Señorita h. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place to check in

  • 1/5 Noone H. 4 years ago on Google
    Never been no reason to go

  • 5/5 Manjeff123 4 years ago on Google
    Nice museaum.

  • 5/5 Alannah W. 4 years ago on Google
    This museum is great. The woman who gave me a tour was very informative.

  • 5/5 Karen H. 5 years ago on Google
    A comprehensive history of Judaism in Melbourne. Had plenty of well displayed artifacts but also the modern display of Jewish grandmothers, not your ordinary bunch! Welcoming and visitor friendly, volunteers with great stories. A worthwhile visit!

  • 5/5 Simon K. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderfully informative place, definitely worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Don K. 4 years ago on Google
    Very educational. Knowledgable friendly staff.

  • 5/5 Garry J. 4 years ago on Google
    The vibrant culture is inspiring. We need more places like this. It would be nice to inspire other cultures as well

  • 5/5 Hila G. 5 years ago on Google
    Plenty of well displayed artifacts. Additionally has modern display of Jewish history! Friendly for all visitors. A comprehensive history of Judaism in Melbourne. Would recommend all cultures to visit.

  • 5/5 Luca C. 4 years ago on Google
    Very Educational, a eye opening experience

  • 4/5 Scott M. 5 years ago on Google
    Good insight into Jewish culture

  • 5/5 Tony K. 3 years ago on Google
    A very interesting museum in St Kilda, Melbourne. Free entry. Lots of information about Jewish history. Currently has an exhibition of Mirka Mora's artwork. Exhibition costs $20 to enter. Parking may be a challenge.

  • 5/5 Pamela H. 6 years ago on Google
    Very interesting

  • 5/5 John P. 4 years ago on Google
    Informative and good experience, including guided tour.

  • 5/5 Simon S. 6 years ago on Google
    Magical go see the oldest Religion in the world

  • 4/5 Hatta A. 5 years ago on Google
    Pleasant museum with nice displays.

  • 5/5 Nicholas G. 5 years ago on Google
    Worthwhile museum. Well worth visiting

  • 4/5 Robert S. 5 years ago on Google
    Good rotation of exhibitions. Well worth the visit.

  • 5/5 Anna Le M. 5 years ago on Google
    This place is fabulous for learning about Jewish history and culture. We went during the Open House Melbourne weekend but it is worth a visit anytime.

  • 5/5 Hani V. 2 years ago on Google
    Great exhibition on the life and creativity of Mirka Mora

  • 5/5 Eugene S. 5 years ago on Google
    An essential part of everyone's education

  • 5/5 Greg B. 5 years ago on Google
    Excellent museum. Informative tours.

  • 3/5 Bipin A. 5 years ago on Google
    Should be free to visitors or atleast at lower rates

  • 5/5 eblocki s. 5 years ago on Google
    I visited here with a colleague during a trip to Melbourne for a conference and found this to be a very informative place to visit. We loved the visit to the synagogue too.

  • 5/5 Thao L. 4 years ago on Google
    Dont gorget to attend its informative tour.

  • 5/5 Fred Y. 4 years ago on Google
    A good place to know Jewish culture and people in Australia

  • 5/5 Ian I. 4 years ago on Google
    Great displays and very informative


Call +61 3 8534 3600 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom

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