The Contemporary Jewish Museum — Attraction in San Francisco

On September 29, my husband and I looked forward to the exhibits at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Unfortunately, what we took away from the experience was one of great disappointment. As seniors, we have traveled all over the world and been to untold number of museums both small and large. This museum charged us $10 per person for the "privilege" to see a small exhibit on Warren Hellman, a California benefactor, who was also a musician among his many accomplishments. His jacket and banjo were present along with some information about the man. The exhibit was in the Libeskind segment of the building most characteristic of the architect's design and was minimal in nature.

There was a small wall exhibit on "brands" like Westinghouse and Kleenex and a flim showing movies and the Jews who created the brands and films. A small space had some furnishings by Jewish designers. Lastly, there was a mahjong exhibit showing tiles and information about the game.

This was one of the most disappointing experiences we have ever been to in a museum. Personally, paying $5 per person would have been too much for the disjointed exhibits we saw. If a major exhibition is in place, perhaps it would be worthy of the price. With so much happening in the world of Jews, we felt the curators could do a MUCH better job selecting material for the museum. The building is wonderful, but the work needs to be improved. Considering the $7 charge per person for the Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museum, one could say the cost for the Contemporary Jewish Museum is indeed, high priced with little to...

I have been to this museum pre-pandemic several times and always enjoyed the exhibits and gift store. I enjoyed learning about the diversity of Jewish experiences, its culture, its history and its arts. To my surprise, the museum has nothing related to Jewish. It's hodgepodge exhibits are next to nil. I don't see the many galleries they use to have. There are only two galleries opened upstairs. Downstairs is an open space of a minute gift store, displays here and there and a Wise Son deli.

I read recently that this Museum will be closing soon indefinitely due to slow foot traffic and sales. If you have a chance, please drop by (between 4th and 3rd streets on Mission Street). This museum is listed as a National Register of Historical Places. It use to be the former PG&E Jessie Street Substation. Just marvel at the architecture of the museum and see how this alley has been reused as a commercial space of eateries. Then afterwards, enjoy a delicious Jewish lunch at Wise and Son deli. If you feel invigorous, cross the street and visit the Martin Luther King memorial (walking under...

Second time there. I went to see Oz "display ". So pitiful. I expect a terrific exhibit. Instead a display of a few of his parents marionettes inside a place the size of a walk in closet. His gloried life with the muppets that could be expanded on and nothing!!! And a huge multi room exhibit of family photos of some well to do family that seemed to not agree on politics. What a mixed up use of space. Last visit was equally poor. I do not understand the complete waste of a building and awful exhibits with the Jewish population and many topics that could be historically explored. Best is the food at the deli next door. Truly awful museum. So very sad and disappointing. Sorry Frank Oz. You sure deserved more!! Much more. Especially when you listen to his video and what his message was. ". Imagine what the world would have lost if his parents hadn't escaped Germany... and "what we did loose because others didn't. The upstairs family photo exhibit could have been loss.....we wouldn't have kiss anything. Frank? So much! Do not waste you time or money...