The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme in Paris opened in 1998. Housed in the beautiful Hôtel de St.-Aignan in the Marais, the museum documents the development of Jewish communities from the Middle Ages to the present.

One enters this relatively small museum through a large courtyard whose only decoration is a statue of Captain Alfred Dreyfus. The exhibits are beautifully displayed, with excellent explanatory panels. The museum also provides visitors with a free audio guide that explains the history of the museum as well as discussing selected items.

Hebrew scripts adorn some of the walls, and illuminated manuscripts from the 14th and 15th centuries, historic Bibles, and ancient Torahs are also on view. Silver Torah ornaments and cases glimmer next to accoutrements for Bar Mitzvahs and marriages.

Numerous gorgeous silver menorahs from the 17th century to modern times are also on display.

A 19th century sukkah provides the backdrop for an exhibit on Sukkot, while embroidered clothing and jewelry from North Africa illustrates wedding traditions.

The visit concludes with an exhibit on the Dreyfus affair of the 1890s and examples of 20th century Jewish art.

If you're interested in Jewish history, you may also want to visit the Musée Nissim de Camondo. More...

And be aware that the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme is just 300 meters from the Centre Pompidou.

Métro: Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville
Bus: 29, 38, 47, 75
RER: Châtelet-les-Halles

Paris Museum Pass accepted. Closed Saturday. Open Wednesday evening.

Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme
71, rue du Temple
Paris 75003
Tel +33 (0)1 53 01 86 53

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