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SF’s Contemporary Jewish Museum Closes (Free Visits Through December 15)

Major SF museum announces temporarily closure of at least 1 year, but offers free admission for its final month.
By - posted 11/14/2024 No Comment

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco has, unfortunately, announced it will temporarily close its galleries for at least one year, beginning December 16, 2024, due to financial challenges.

The good news (if there is any, here) is that in order to give the public an opportunity to experience the museum before the closure, CJM is offering free admission through December 15, 2024 waiving the usual $16 entry fee.

Contemporary Jewish Museum
Visit for free through December 15, 2024
Open Thursdays through Sundays | 11a-5p (closed Thanksgiving)
Book Free Tickets

Current Exhibitions

  • California Jewish Open – Transdisciplinary artist Nicki Green’s first museum solo exhibition delves into questions of identity, transformation, and reinvention of Jewish traditions through new and existing artworks in ceramic, installation, fiber, and more.
  • Nicki Green: Firmament – Marking the first time the space has been activated in this way since the building’s opening, Bay Area artist Leah Rosenberg transforms The CJM’s Yud Gallery through light and color, creating a welcoming environment for visitors to reflect, rest, and wonder.
  • L’Chaim: Celebrating Our Building at 15 – This exhibition delves into the deep symbolism imbued in The CJM’s iconic building, inspired by the Hebrew phrase l’chaim (“to life”).

The CJM’s current home, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, opened in 2008 and uniquely combines the historic 1881 power station with a bold blue geometric structure. This architectural fusion, inspired by the Hebrew word “chai” (meaning “life”), has made the building a recognizable part of San Francisco’s cultural landscape. With free admission through mid-December, visitors can explore both the exhibits and this distinctive building before the temporary pause.

The museum’s Board of Trustees emphasized that this closure is a proactive measure to stabilize finances and plan for the future, rather than a permanent shutdown. The Board has likened this period to a “Sabbath” pause, giving time for planning and exploration of new ways to reach audiences and ensure long-term sustainability.

Since its founding, the CJM has worked to foster understanding of Jewish culture, counter antisemitism, and serve the Bay Area community. As the museum prepares for its sabbatical, it encourages visitors to enjoy its galleries, exhibitions, and architecture at no cost through December 15.