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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Museums

Capital Jewish Museum

The Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum is a state-of-the-art facility exploring the diverse history, culture, and social action of Jewish life within the National Capital Region.

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Capital Jewish Museum
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What is the Capital Jewish Museum known for?

Officially known as the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, it is a historical society and museum focused on the history of Jewish life in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding metropolitan area.

How much does it cost to visit?

General Admission is free with a suggested donation, which includes access to ongoing exhibitions.

What are the hours?

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Advanced ticketing is recommended, though walk-ins are welcome for same-day tickets as space permits.

What is currently on display?

The current featured exhibition is *Blacklisted: An American Story*, which is on view through September 2026.

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 Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, which opened to the public in June 2023, serves as a historical society and museum dedicated to the Jewish experience in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding metropolitan area. This 32,500-square-foot facility is located in the Judiciary Square and Capitol Crossing neighborhood of Northwest Washington. The museum is housed in a four-story building at 3rd and F Streets NW, featuring three floors of programming and exhibit space. A key architectural highlight is the inclusion of the original Adas Israel synagogue. Dating from 1876, this small red brick building with tall arched windows stands as the oldest synagogue structure in Washington and now forms part of the museum's home. Visitors can explore the past, present, and future of Jewish Washington through state-of-the-art exhibition galleries. The museum employs an experimental spirit to connect historical narratives to contemporary values, encouraging guests to reflect on the relevance of the past. A current featured exhibition, *Blacklisted: An American Story*, provides a timely examination of a defining moment in American political history and is on view through September 2026. As the only museum in the city specifically exploring the region's Jewish history, the institution aims to inspire community-building and social action. By collecting and preserving diverse stories, the museum creates a space for visitors to connect personally and collectively with the culture of the National Capital Region.

Visitor tips

  • General Admission is free with a suggested donation, making it an accessible stop for all budgets.
  • Advanced ticketing is recommended to ensure entry, though walk-ins are welcome as space permits.
  • Plan your visit for Wednesday through Sunday, as the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Allow at least 90 minutes to explore the three floors of exhibit space and the historic synagogue structure.

Nearby context

The museum is situated in the Judiciary Square and Capitol Crossing neighborhood of Northwest Washington, positioned at the intersection of 3rd and F Streets NW.

Sources

Evidence and links