Contemporary Jewish Museum

Description

Checklist

Paths and walkways:  stone walkway to entrance
Doors:  double-doors
Number of floors:  2
Elevators:  one
Ramps:  none
Steps and staircases:  to upper level
Width of aisles:  spacious
Places to sit:  benches in lobby and in some galleries
Location of restrooms:  on each level
Type of restroom:  **
Ease of entry and exit:  OK
Baby changing station:  yes
Available food services:  Wise Sons' Cafe
Friendliness of staff:  friendly and well-informed
Notes:  * Parking must be found either on the street or in a garage. Check Museum's website for further parking information. ** Multi-stall, handicapped-accessible restrooms are located on each level. A gender-neutral, single-occupancy, handicapped-accessible restroom is located on the main floor near the Wise Sons' Deli.

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A friend had told me about the unique Contemporary Jewish Museum just before one of our trips to Berkeley. So…we went.  Located in the Mission District of San Francisco, we knew we had to find parking either on the street or in one of the garages i neighborhood.  We parked in a garage.  If you intend to do the same I suggest driving around a bit before choosing a garage because the rates varied considerably within a short distance (see the Museum’s website for more parking information.)

The Museum is set back considerably from Mission Street. Stone walkways are flat.  The 1907 landmark building was originally a gas and electric substation.  Noted architect Daniel Libeskind based his design of the building and its extension on the two Hebrew letters spelling “L’Chaim,” which means “to life.”  It was to be a “…welcoming place to experience art, music, film, literature, debate, and most importantly, people.” (website) 

Before entering the street level, double-door main entrance, we took some time to look at the architectural mix of the building.  The back of the old, next to the blue of the new, is a wonderful contract.  After our visit, as we looked at the building once again, we noted the change in hue due to the different time of day.

The Museum has two floors, with an elevator and stairs.  All floors are smooth.  The building is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

We were just in time for one of the free public tours, so, of coursee, we took advantage.  As we expected, our docent was incredibly well-informed, with information about the exhibit, building and architect.  We did not know that the museum has no permenent exhibits.  It is “ever-changing – a non-collecting institution, that partners with national and international cultural institutions to present exhibitions that are both timely and relevant…” (website)

Benches are located in the lobby area and in some galleries.

After our wonderful tour we took some time to look at the interesting items in the Museum Shop, and of course, have something to eat in the”Wise Sons’ Cafe.”  (see separate listing)

Multi-stall restrooms with large, handicapped-accessible stalls and baby-changing stations are located on each level.  A gender neutral, single-occupancy, handicapped-essible restroom is located on the main floor near the Wise Sons’ Deli.

This is a different type of museum and one that is certainly worth exploring.

As always, we at Destination Accessible advise you to visit a venue’s website, www.cjm.org, when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”

Location

Nearby