Contemporary Jewish Museum

736 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Address:	736 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Phone:	+1 415-655-7800
Site:	thecjm.org
Rating:	4
Working:	11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM Closed 11AM–8PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Patricia Cohen

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 architects 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 show for it.

Albert Lee

This is a nice little museum filled with all things related to the Jewish culture. During my visit, the bottom level was showcasing an exhibit of photographs taken in the 1960s - 1980s and it was interesting to learn about some of the history behind the subjects in the photographs and the photographer. Upstairs is where the more contemporary (and interesting I might add) art was showcased. A lot of different abstract paintings as well as art objects/setups were shown along with descriptions for each one. I found some of the art pieces very interesting and I always like to imagine what the artist was thinking when they created his/her work of art. All in all, a fun place to visit and absorb a little bit of culture!

Shannon Sweetser

This mid-sized museum has a unique cultural perspective; its quite approachable from a non-Jewish background and also pays tribute to artwork displaying a variety of religious iconography. A balanced perspective seems to ask the viewer, "well, what do you think?" I did enjoy spending a relaxing afternoon taking in some of the exhibits, including a touring exhibition of Allen Ginsbergs photography. Its a bit pricey for its size, but a lot of modern works displaced during the MoMA renovation has found a lovely temporary home here. Great museum to visit, but I recommend seeing it on a free museum day or going when theres an exhibit or event you really want to experience.

Agnes Z.

I wanted to give the place five stars but my first visit made me think its a junior clone of SFMOMA. The design preserves the old power station and adds on lots of Jewish symbolism that would be over my head without explanation from the panels inside. The art on display is primarily modern and postmodern. It confirms my suspicion that curators nationwide in search of hot exhibitions will fall for any pitch. The receptions are nice, so Ill drop in again to see and be seen. The Jewish in bay area exhibition will tell you who are the names on most of the walls in public schools, public libraries, benches in the park. at least, I know how rich my bosss family is.

E. D.

A gem in the middle of downtown. I like the architecture of the CJM more than the MoMA. With that said, the CJM is very small; its like a set of three gallery spaces. The downstairs (last time I was there) featured local, Bay Area artists. Upstairs there are two larger spaces. They never crowd the space and allow for the work to breathe which is great. I saw a couple of great exhibits there. You can visit the website to see if there are any evening events in the auditorium downstairs - sometimes featuring great Q&A. Dont forget to appreciate the amazing landscape architecture in front of the museum as well!

Danielle W

Ive had nothing but positive experiences here and Im pleased that CJM and SFMOMA have joined forces. The Beyond Belief exhibit is comprised of a wide breadth of work surveying spirituality in modern art. Fittingly, there is an overtone of exploring spirituality through the lens of Jewish religious traditions to keep the joint show relevant for their membership base. The concurent show of Ginsbergs collection of photos is peppered with some gems and definitely worth a look-see. I especially enjoyed sitting at the far end of the exhibit and listening to his recordings of Howl.

Bryan Nabong

I came in to view an Allen Ginsberg exhibit so admittedly I spent more time looking at that collection than anything else. I only missed one exhibit, but it looks to be their ongoing exhibit, so Ill try to view that on a future visit. The building is large, but you can cover most of the exhibits around an hour/hour and a half. The staff was very friendly, from the docents to the security guard running the metal detector/bag screening at the door. They also provide a free bag check in the lobby.

Joe Sterne

As a recent convert to the Jewish religion, I was very excited to check this place out. It has fascinating architecture, both inside and out. Two floors of exhibits- there is even a Jackson Pollack on the 2nd floor (as of Summer 2013). Lots of mixed media- everything from sculpture, to paintings, to photo prints. Also, has one of the best Jewish stores Ive seen in SF. They carry all sorts of stuff, from seder plates, to menorahs(and candles!), to kippahs. Dont be a schmuck- check the place out.

Joann Wu

The space itself is very cool and contemporary. Would be a great thinking space. Went there for the Roz Chast cartoon memoirs exhibition, a good look at the artists work and life. Im not Jewish but was pleasantly surprised by the permanent exhibition by Leibowitz. It embodies the spirit of this most liberal city of the world, while encompassing unique Jewish values that people of different cultures can share.

Stephen Schur

Well worth a second or third visit to the changing but consistently well-curated exhibitions. If you are available first Tuesday afternoons,they have interesting films. The redeeming social value of your Bank of America Debit card is that it will get you in here free certain week-ends. Something new: Wise Sons Deli has a branch here, so you can dine abundantly then walk it off touring the museum.

Rich Singer

Great museum. Focuses on having just a few high quality exhibits. Volunteers were very helpful. ++for kids. Bunch of projects for them to do. Look at there website for special kid events. Only suggestion would be to keep all the projects focused on a theme from the museum. Plus - free to kids any day and free for everyone on Tuesdays.

Beth Littman

Most parts unrelated to Judaism, cafe staff is unhelpful, diverts questions and is misleading regarding meat being kosher. The gift shop is interesting and the museum is an architectural marvel from the outside . If you do choose to visit, first Tuesday of the month is free and be prepared to open bags soon after entering for security