One of the most visited museums in Miami is the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. It is located in two restored historic buildings that were formerly synagogues for the first Jewish community in Miami Beach. Renovation, restauration and furnishing costs amounted to 4 million dollars in order for the museum to be the way it is today. It is known that Jews began to settle in Miami Beach in 1913. One area became their ghetto, and this is where the synagogues were built.
The first Jewish assembly in Miami Beach was founded in 1927, and in 1929 they built a synagogue on 311 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, and in the 1930s a new building was constructed in a neighboring street. This building served the purpose of a great sanctuary, while the on 311 Washington Ave was a great hall where Jews gathered. In 1986, Jewish population decreased, so all religious ceremonies were held in the original building. Over time, the building on 301 Washington Ave deteriorated and was intended to be demolished.
Today, both buildings are turned into a museum. First, a museum was opened in one of the synagogues in 1936, and then in the other in 2007. The life of Jews is in the period from 1763 to the present day is displayed in the museums. Through the works of local artists, you can get familiar with the history of Jews from that period, but also through various other exhibits, photographs, documents, artifacts etc. There are both permanent and temporary exhibitions which depict Jews’ life in Florida.
Ticket price for the Jewish Museum
Regular ticket price 12 USD
Reduced ticket price: 8 USD
Free entry for children up to 6 years old
Family ticket $24
Entrance is FREE on Saturdays
Opening hours of the Jewish Museum
every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Mondays when the museum is closed
Author of the article:
Marijana Niković tour guide for Montenegro
For guided tours please contact:
(Viber) 00382 68 230 241
