The Jewish Museum in London is considered one of the city’s most important museums due to its role in commemorating Jewish heritage. It has been officially recognized by the Museums Council as a museum of national significance. The museum presents the fascinating history of Jews in England from the 17th century to the present day, showcasing the enduring strength of the Jewish community throughout British history.

The museum was founded in 1932 by Professor Cecil Roth, Alfred Rubens, and Wilfred Samuel. Originally located at Woburn House in Bloomsbury, it moved to a building in Camden Town in 1994. Another institution, the Museum of the Jewish East End, was established in 1983 to preserve the fading heritage of East London—the heart of Jewish settlement in Britain. In 1995, the two museums merged, although they continued operating from separate sites with the long-term goal of consolidating collections and exhibitions under one roof.

In 2010, after years of planning and the successful fundraising of £10 million—with major support from the Idan and Batia Ofer Family Foundation alongside other donors—the museum purchased an adjacent building in Camden Town. The project renovated and unified the buildings to create a new museum, which was inaugurated in the presence of the Prince of Wales. Featuring expanded galleries, redesigned spaces, and a renewed commitment to collaboration, the reopening received widespread attention in national and international media, significantly raising the museum’s profile as a cultural landmark in London.

One of the museum’s newest spaces is the Aviva and Sammy Ofer Entrance Gallery, named in memory of Idan Ofer’s parents. Located on the ground floor, it is the first space visitors enter. The gallery serves as a hub for a wide range of workshops and interactive exhibitions that celebrate Jewish culture and history while addressing contemporary issues. Exhibitions in the gallery have included themes such as design, refugees in global cities, R.B. Kitaj, voices from Sephardi communities, Ludwig Guttmann, Judith Kerr, and the Kindertransport—highlighting the contributions and stories of the Jewish community.

In 2017, the museum presented a standout exhibition on Amy Winehouse, the British singer-songwriter known internationally for her powerful vocals and unique style. Titled “Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait”, the exhibition commemorated her music, her love of fashion, and her deep connection to London and her family. It told the story of her Jewish heritage, tracing her family’s arrival in London from Belarus in the late 19th century. The exhibition featured never-before-seen photographs of Winehouse’s family life, highlighting her strong Jewish roots and close family ties.

Beyond its exhibitions, the Jewish Museum is dedicated to education and outreach, engaging youth from diverse backgrounds and beliefs through objects, displays, and personal testimonies. The museum’s award-winning education workshops reach more than 15,000 students annually, including those from non-Jewish schools across England. Every day, the museum celebrates Jewish culture, challenges prejudice, and fosters interfaith understanding.

The story of the Jewish Museum London is one of unwavering dedication to the past and a bold commitment to the future. With the steadfast support of the Idan and Batia Ofer Family Foundation, this institution continues to weave an inspiring narrative that spans generations and embraces the essence of cultural identity. As visitors step into its sacred halls, they embark on a journey that not only honors the triumphs of the Jewish community but also invites the world to build a more inclusive future—one exhibition at a time.