Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU image

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

Tourist attraction Museum

Jewish life in Florida & Latin America recorded in photos & artifacts, housed in a former synagogue. People often mention museum, Jewish, history, Miami, Florida, exhibits, visit, tour, Beach, people,


Address

301 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Website

jmof.fiu.edu

Contact

(305) 672-5044

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (397 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (31) Jewish (26) history (24) Miami (16) Florida (13) exhibits (11) visit (11) tour (10) Beach (10) people (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Freedom a. 2 years ago on Google • 55 reviews
    I visited the JMF recently while on vacation in Florida. I live in Wisconsin but I emigrated to the US from Baghdad, Iraq in 2016. I was raised Muslim, but recently discovered my father’s family was Jewish. I am very interested in learning more about that part of my heritage. This museum is so beautiful and very informative. It really had an impact on me. Learning the history of the Jews in Miami was so moving and haunting. I highly recommend visiting this wonderful place. ❤️✡️
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole 4 years ago on Google • 1081 reviews
    Had a nice, intimate free tour with one of the docents. Very cool impermanent exhibits. The space is well preserved and taken care of. Thought the gift shop could have more art pertaining to the exhibits. $8 student entrance fee, $12 regular fee.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M 1 year ago on Google • 444 reviews
    A wonderful tribute to the Jewish people of Florida. Very interesting displays and beautiful art. If you love South Beach and its history, then this is a must stop. It opens at 10am, but we had to wait a few minutes to enter for a guard to set up metal detectors. How sad it is that this level of security is necessary, but is it's not surprising given the rise in antisemitism. This museum is highly recommended!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael L. 1 month ago on Google • 648 reviews New
    Very nice, a bit small. Airport-like security precautions so take off your belt or suspenders before coming in

  • 5/5 Jeff D. 1 year ago on Google • 14 reviews
    Wonderful museum with an incredible tour guide when we were there. The inside of the museum was beautiful, and has many wonderful exhibits on the Jewish history of Florida.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 U. Chinedu A. 4 years ago on Google
    The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU at Miami South Beach presents a cultural intersectionality between 17th century South Florida and Latin-American Jewish photographed historiography and contemporary artistry. The museum, although not a formal holocaust museum, it's modernity was bequeathed from an Orthodox Jewish Synagogue of old. Adorned by hindsight cultural ambiance and past socio-religious philosophical thought, the museum is a synthesized exhibition of curated chronological excellence. The narrated tour guide highlighted unknown and subtle details which brought greater attraction to the mounted photographs and artifacts. Though, for me, the most beautiful piece of artwork was the hand crafted 'The Tish of The Lamed Vavniks' by Steve Marcus, 2017. The miniature Rabbī were carved from Bass wood, colored by Milk paint, Tung oil and Torāh ink. Exquisite! Other artifacts of beauty was a Sefer Torāh (The Pentateuch), a dress and hand gloves decorated with seashells, an illustrious 944-page Rothchild Miscellany Hebrew illuminated manuscript, and two 14th century German-Jewish wedding rings with internally placed prayers. So much more aesthetics to see, therefore, upon your visit, allow your eyes to witness the plethora of beauteousness. I believe the overall narrative of the history exhibited throughout the museum is a message of cohesive culture unified with progressive religious thought possesses the potentiality to produce fortified communities, foreign and domestic. I think the museum is a perfect representation of what a people can be should they choose to be. There's much to be seen and gleaned from the museum. I'm sure anyone visiting the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU will experience a cultural immersion into a local people who preserved their history for present-day study and life-long learning. מי ייתן ושלום ושגשוג יהיו בשפע בחייו של הנלמד היטב והמודע ביותר מבחינה רוחנית. אלוהים גדול! Enjoy the museum and the atmophere of sunny South Beach Miami, Florida.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jo-Anna C. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful museum although I expected there to be more Jewish things in there. It’s more of an art museum and a place to commemorate talented Jewish people. The tour guide was friendly and helpful and all and all it was a great experience.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott T. 10 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    This historic former synagogue was converted into a very nice museum displaying many items of judaica including a 200+ year old sefer torah, as well as photos and exhibits regarding Florida Jewish history. The old synagogue building itself is a treasure. Don't miss the stained glass window donated by the notorious Mayer Lansky. A gift shop selling judaics is on the premises.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alireza A. 2 months ago on Google • 71 reviews New
    During my recent visit to the Jewish Museum of Florida, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and richness of the exhibits, which offer a comprehensive look into the Jewish community and their significant influence in shaping Miami. One of the most enlightening aspects of my visit was learning about the percentage of Jewish people in Miami and their cultural impact on the city. A highlight of my experience was interacting with Howard, a staff member who passionately described Miami’s history and architecture, with a particular focus on the Jewish community. Howard’s knowledge and enthusiasm significantly enhanced my visit, making the museum not just an educational experience but also a personal journey through the city’s Jewish heritage. While the museum does an excellent job of presenting historical and cultural information, I believe there’s room for improvement. Adding more sculptures and interactive elements could enrich the experience, offering a more dynamic and engaging way to connect with the exhibits.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nasim N. 2 months ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    Great place to learn about the Jewish community. Loved the talkby Howard! Funded by the University, Free on Saturdays! A fun security guard who makes you laugh!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martin B. 5 years ago on Google
    Very inviting, well-curated, informative museum with insightful and friendly docents. Dives deep into the crucial role of Miami's Jewish community in the city's history, and the impact of Miami on the community (it's an art deco synagogue!). Contemporary and historical art from around the world is also featured. If you're in Miami looking for museums, this is essential.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Conrad L. 2 years ago on Google
    A brilliant bit of SOBE history, and very interesting place to visit (I am not even Jewish). Friendly volunteers who work there. Strict security before you enter - for obvious reasons. Do yourself a favor and visit this place!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melissa T. 2 years ago on Google
    I had such a fabulous experience here yesterday. The docent (who I can't remember her name) was informative and excited to share all the information she had. It was interesting to learn about the history of the Jews in Florida and particularly southern Florida. I had a great talk with her and the gentleman manning the front about our Jewish heritage. I highly recommend visiting this museum while you're in Miami Beach. It's such a treasure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Priscilla G. 2 years ago on Google
    My most recent trip to Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU was my third time visiting this museum. Although the collection is small, the artwork is unique and fun to take pictures with or of. The minimalist structure of Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU I find to be very relaxing, and I always have a lovely time here. P.S., if coming with kids, staff were handing out goodie bags with art when we visited. Additionally, staff was strongly encouraging families to participate in their scavenger hunt, which visitors could access through a QR code. We opted out of the scavenger hunt, but it was nice that it was an option.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Malgorzata K. 4 years ago on Google
    A beautiful interior of an old synagogue perfectly preserved (or should I say restored;-) In addition to a very interesting historical exhibition, the museum offers a refreshing experience of artwork by Mira Lehr (A Walk in the Garden) her works -almost like dream catchers- hang around the main part of the synagogue creating almost a magical ambiance... when you enter the space on the left hand side you may experience a bit of a shock;-) It’s an interesting presentation of photography by Zachary Balber: TAMIM... The staff of this place is very friendly and knowledgeable and if you ask, I am sure you will learn a lot about the history of the Jewish community in Florida...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Uzi B. 1 year ago on Google
    Informative and visually engaging, the Jewish Museum of Florida is a great place to visit and learn about the Jewish history of Florida and to see rotating exhibits. The current (Dec 2022) exhibit has fantastic art with ecological themes. Highly recommended Free on Saturday (we left a donation)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eyal L. 1 year ago on Google • 18 reviews
    A quiet hidden pearl of a museum with plenty of Intersting history and good curated exhibits. We had the pleasure of an amazing guide Eva who speaks both Russian and English and who has been with the museum since 1994 and had a wealth of information about history and the exhibits.

  • 5/5 Ryan G. 1 month ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    Perfect

  • 5/5 Michael K. 3 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    The guy who took my entrance fee forgot to tell me about the guided tour. But I overheard a lady say she was starting a tour. I joined the tour. The lady did a nice job of narrating the history of the former synagogue this museum is in, along with various anecdotes about Jews in Florida. You need the guided narration. It is essential to getting a good background that you wouldn't get just from reading the signage. Make sure you show up about 3 or more hours before closing even though you may not need that much time, to be sure to catch the guided narration.

  • 5/5 Paulette S. 1 year ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Everyone visiting South Beach should visit this gem! The docent tour is very informative and the exhibits are excellent. Myra Lehr's stunning art work provides a gorgeous addition to this exhibit space!

  • 5/5 Jennifer S. 4 months ago on Google
    Wonderful. The museum has so much rich history, not just for the people that it represents, but the rich history of how they built Miami Beach. Way way more informative about the rich history of the Art Deco architecture in MIami Beach, than the actual Art Deco Museum. Very sweet woman who worked there was able to really explain the history of the former synagogue, MIami Beach, as well as the art on display. I am in love with the current exhibit by Anita Rabinowitz-Goldman. Very emotional, detailed and thought-provoking. While in Miami we visited several museums and this was by far one of my favorite. A definite must-visit.

  • 5/5 Konner S. 6 months ago on Google
    The museum part needs a bit more Jewish history. There was a lot of cool information about the impacts of Jews in Miami. The employee Eva Svendova was AMAZING. She was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. The security guard was HILARIOUS. He was an absolute homie and made our visit delightful.

  • 5/5 Victoria D. 1 month ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Very interesting FIU exhibition, and an illuminating conference about architecture in Miami.

  • 5/5 Tom M. 1 year ago on Google
    Fabulous visit, with friendly and informative staff. Best museum I've been to in Miami.

  • 5/5 Gary G. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful exhibits. Well run. Eva was super helpful and informative.

  • 4/5 Annette L. 1 year ago on Google
    The docent tours of the museum was very informative. We forget that Miami Beach used to be the promised land. The art exhibition really touch my heart.

  • 5/5 corinne g. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautifully restored synagogue with lots of history. The Barbra Streisand Hello Gorgeous exhibit was good.

  • 5/5 Julia T. 1 year ago on Google
    Great Museum! Amazing stuff! So much history!!! Highly recommend!!

  • 5/5 randall b. 1 year ago on Google
    Small but nice and there are people to give u a tour. Parking is a challenge but when I asked the security guard he kindly let me park in a small employee lot. Most interesting was the revelation that Jews were restricted on Miami Beach.

  • 1/5 Andrew T. 2 years ago on Google
    Closed half an hour before it’s supposed to with no notice. It’s not that hard to update the Google maps & many other people had the same issue. It probably takes like 5 minutes to walk through the entire building anyways.

  • 5/5 Rebecca K. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful well curated museum. Easy parking. Kind people.

  • 4/5 Alexandra P. 2 years ago on Google
    Small but very well laid out museum. You must take the tour with the docent. The museum is a former synagogue so one can admire the architecture and details as part of the history. The entire neighborhood, south of fifth street, called SoFi by locals has rich Jewish history. Very interesting. But come on a weekday early as parking is very difficult to find in the area after 12pm and worse on weekends. But highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Anthony D. 2 years ago on Google
    A tribute to resilience and hard work. The bigotry and antisemitism was also documented yet they prevailed. An inspiring place.

  • 5/5 Sarah F. 2 years ago on Google
    The docent that guided us through the museum was amazing, I believe her name was Melissa. It's definitely something to visit, and takes some time to walk through.


Call (305) 672-5044 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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