History
In late fall of 1986, the makers of the Jewish Children's Museum held its first Jewish Children's Expo, which started the journey that would lead to the Jewish Children's Museum. The Expo, turned 30,000 square feet of the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City into a wonderland of Jewish experiences. Over 30,000 people visited the first Jewish Children's Expo, a four day event. The Expo, which was patterned after the World Exposition Fairs, portrayed a voyage through Jewish history both joyous and sober. visitors were guided through the six days of creation, the Mt. Sinai experience, the glory of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem to modern day Israel. Over the next five years the Expo grew. The complete exhibition required 45,000 square feet. More than 75,000 visitors attended annually. It became clear that there is a great demand for a year round Expo ... a museum ... a museum for children .... The Jewish Children's Museum.
Specialties
You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy the Jewish Children's Museum. Opened in 2005, it is the only Jewish Museum for Children of its kind, worldwide. Like a traditional children's museum, the exhibits are interactive and educational, the main difference being that they feature aspects of Jewish history and culture in one way or another. And while there are certainly other places where Jewish culture can be experienced and leaned in NYC, the Jewish Children's Museum is the only place that engages kids in such a fun, hands-on way!