The Jewish Museum is situated in Sweden’s oldest preserved synagogue. The building, located in Själagårdsgatan 19 in the Old Town, tells the story of the first Jews who came to Sweden, how they formed a community, and how they became a part of Swedish society. Stockholm’s earliest Jewish congregation moved to the building, a then defunct auction room, in 1795. It was to be the focus of Jewish life in Sweden for almost a century, consisting of a synagogue, a ritual bath and a religious school, and housing the rabbi, the cantor and a kosher butcher. A special law decree in Sweden, in force from 1782 till 1838, dictated how Jews were allowed to live in the country and defined Swedish Jews as a nation of their own. Själagårdsgatan 19 was therefore the heart of a kingdom within a kingdom. The Jewish Museum exhibits the original site’s pulpit and has restored some of the synagogue’s original wall paintings. It may thus be one of Europe’s last remaining synagogues ornamented in the German style. The Museum was founded in 1987 and was the first Jewish museum to be opened in the Nordic countries. It moved to its current site in 2019, with the ambition to link the past history of Swedish Jewry to the present and the future. The museum aims to cast a light on Jewish heritage as a minority heritage within Sweden, and on the relationships between this minority and the majority society. The space consists of a permanent exhibition, guiding visitors through the history and present of Swedish Jewry, as well as changing exhibitions focusing on different aspects of Jewish life and culture. The Museum tells the story of Jewish thought, Jewish practices, and Swedish history to anyone curious about Jewish and Swedish-Jewish culture and heritage.
History & Anthropology Art & Design Contemporary art Ethnology Historic house Industrial heritage Language & Literature Local Photography Religion Religious building
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Själagårdsgatan 19, Stockholm
The Jewish Museum in Stockholm has 1 rating.
The Jewish Museum in Stockholm offers visitors an informative look into the history and culture of Jews in Sweden. Located in the historic Gamla Stan district, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of Jewish life from the 1700s to the present day.
The exhibits are well-curated, featuring personal stories, artifacts, and interactive displays that help visitors understand the Jewish experience in Sweden. Many visitors appreciate the museum's focus on both historical events and contemporary Jewish life. The museum does a good job of explaining the challenges faced by the Jewish community, including during World War II, as well as their contributions to Swedish society.
While relatively small, the museum makes efficient use of its space. The staff are generally described as knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the overall experience. Some visitors note that certain exhibits could benefit from more detailed English translations.
The museum also houses a small gift shop and occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions and events, adding variety to its offerings. However, a few visitors mention that the museum might be a bit too text-heavy for younger audiences or those preferring more interactive experiences.
Overall, The Jewish Museum in Stockholm provides a valuable educational experience for those interested in Jewish history and culture in Sweden. While it may not be among the largest museums in Stockholm, it offers a focused and insightful exploration of its subject matter.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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