The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience

Housed in a former synagogue in the Arts District, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience offers a deep dive into the lives, traditions, and contributions of Jewish communities across the American South. The museum features interactive exhibits, personal narratives, and a collection of over 4,000 artifacts, including Torah scrolls, photographs, and ceremonial objects. Visitors can explore themes of immigration, identity, and adaptation, learning how Southern Jews balanced their religious heritage with regional culture. The museum's thoughtful design and engaging displays make it a compelling stop for history buffs and anyone interested in the diverse fabric of the South.

Don't miss

• See a 200-year-old Torah scroll from a small Louisiana congregation
• Listen to oral histories from Southern Jews sharing personal stories
• View the 'Settling the South' gallery showing early Jewish life in port cities
• Explore the 'Becoming Southern' exhibit on how Jews adapted to regional customs
• Check the rotating temporary exhibit space for new perspectives

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience

Cheapest way inMuseum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans4.9★ · 54 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$15 per personSee dates →Most bookedNew Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour4.5★ · 13,549 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$37 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate New Orleans City Tour with Local Expert Guide4.9★ · 142 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$135 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Allow at least 1.5 hours to see all exhibits comfortably.
• Photography is allowed in most areas; no flash.
• Audio guides are available for a more immersive experience.
• Street parking is limited; use nearby paid lots or ride-share.

A bit of history

The museum opened in 2021, building on decades of work by the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life to preserve and share the stories of Jewish communities in the region. It is located in a historic 1920s building that once housed a synagogue.