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San Francisco, California / Museums

Contemporary Jewish Museum

A striking architectural landmark in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood, blending a 19th-century power plant with a glowing blue steel structure designed by Daniel Libeskind.

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Contemporary Jewish Museum
www.thecjm.org, og_image_www.thecjm.org

What is the Contemporary Jewish Museum known for?

The Contemporary Jewish Museum is a non-collecting museum in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood. Its mission is to make the diversity of the Jewish experience relevant to a 21st-century audience through educational programs and exhibitions.

Is the museum currently open?

No, the Contemporary Jewish Museum is temporarily closed as of December 15, 2024, due to financial struggles.

What can I do if the museum is closed?

While the museum is temporarily closed, visitors can engage online or support the museum during its transition.

What is the architecture of the building?

The building was designed by Studio Libeskind as an angled, glowing blue steel-clad structure inserted within a historic 19th-century red brick power plant.

Where is the Contemporary Jewish Museum located?

It is located at 736 Mission Street at Yerba Buena Lane in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of San Francisco, California.

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 Contemporary Jewish Museum, located at 736 Mission Street at Yerba Buena Lane, is a non-collecting institution in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood. Founded in 1984, the museum's mission is to make the diversity of the Jewish experience relevant to a 21st-century audience through educational programs and exhibitions. Its building is a masterclass in architectural contrast. The museum is housed in the historic Jessie Street Substation, a red brick power plant from the 19th century. Studio Libeskind redesigned the interior and added an angled, glowing blue steel-clad structure that was completed in 2008. This design creates a dialogue between the historic red brick and the modern steel, turning the building itself into a landmark of architectural history and contemporary influence. Despite its architectural significance, the museum has faced significant financial struggles. In late 2024, the museum announced it would suspend operations for at least a year, shutting its doors on December 15, 2024. This transition period has been marked by layoffs of at least 19 staff members. As of March 2026, the museum has announced plans to sell its downtown San Francisco building. While the interior exhibits are currently inaccessible, the building's unique exterior remains a notable stop for those interested in architecture and urban design in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

Visitor tips

  • Since the museum is temporarily closed, focus your visit on photographing the exterior architecture.
  • Allow 15 minutes to walk around the building to appreciate the blue steel structure against the red brick.
  • Combine this stop with a visit to the nearby Yerba Buena Gardens for a relaxing break.

Nearby context

The museum is situated in the heart of San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood, adjacent to Yerba Buena Lane and adjacent to the nearby Yerba Buena Gardens and Local Edition bar.

Sources

Evidence and links