Jewish Museum

Description:

• This museum tells the story of Jewish life in Britain. Arriving at the time of the Norman Conquest, Jews survived in England until King Edward I forced them out in 1290. From that time, no Jews (or at least, no known Jews) lived in Britain until a small community returned in 1656 during the reign of Elizabeth I. The museum has recently been awarded designated status by the Museums and Galleries Commission for its outstanding collection of Jewish ceremonial art. On display are silver Torah bells made in London, and two loving cups presented by the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue to the lord mayor in the 18th century. The museum's Ceremonial Art Gallery contains a beautiful 16th-century Venetian ark, one of the oldest preserved in the world. An old English lord bought it from a furniture dealer without knowing what it was, and for years his maid used it as a wardrobe until someone discovered its true identity. The museum also sponsors walking tours of Jewish London.

  The Jewish Museum has another location in Finchley, which focuses on Jewish immigration and settlement in London. On display are reconstructions of East End tailoring and furniture workshops. Holocaust education is also a fundamental feature of this museum. The Finchley branch is open Monday through Thursday 10:30am to 5pm, and Sunday from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Admission is £2 ($4) adults, seniors, and students; children under 12 are admitted free. For further information, call tel. 020/8349-1143. See the "West End Attractions" map.

• © Frommer's 2012