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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Museums

Museum of Southern Jewish Experience

A private, non-profit museum in New Orleans' museum district exploring over 300 years of Jewish life and cultural exchange in the American South.

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Museum of Southern Jewish Experience
msje.org, og_image_msje.org

What is the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience known for?

The museum explores more than 300 years of Jewish life across the American South, specifically focusing on how Jews in the region influenced and were influenced by the distinct cultural heritage of their new homes.

What are the hours?

The museum is open six days a week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Tuesdays.

How much does it cost?

Adult admission is $15, while seniors (65+), students with ID, and active military pay $13. Children ages 6–17 are $10, and admission is free for children under 6 and members.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the museum offers discounted admission for children ages 6–17 and free admission for children under 6.

How do I get there?

Located at 818 Howard Avenue in New Orleans, the museum can be reached by car, on foot, or via public transportation using the St. Charles and Canal streetcar lines.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, or MSJE, is a private, non-profit institution located at 818 Howard Avenue in New Orleans' museum district. Opened to the public on May 27, 2021, the museum serves as a welcoming space to explore the complex history of Jewish life across the American South. Its galleries and multimedia presentations span 350 years of history, covering 13 Southern states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Dedicated to the mutual influence between Jewish populations and the distinct cultural heritage of their new homes, the museum's mission is to teach how Jews in the American South influenced and were influenced by local cultures. This focus on cultural exchange provides a deep dive into the unique immigrant population of the region. Beyond the permanent galleries, the MSJE includes a research center with a reading room, an oral history studio, and a special exhibition gallery. The facility also offers public programs that often take place both on-site and online, as well as a museum store for visitors. The museum is accessible via the St. Charles and Canal streetcar lines, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the city's cultural corridor.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, as the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Children under 6 and members are admitted for free, while children ages 6-17 receive discounted admission.
  • Use the St. Charles or Canal streetcar lines for easy public transportation access to the museum.
  • Allow at least two hours to explore the galleries and the special exhibition gallery.

Nearby context

Situated in New Orleans' museum district, the MSJE is part of a cluster of cultural institutions that makes the area a prime destination for those seeking a deep dive into the history and art of the region.

Sources

Evidence and links