Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU collects, preserves, and interprets cultural heritage materials that document the Florida Jewish experience from their early settlement in 1763 up to the present. Sprung from a grassroots effort by Founding Executive Director Marcia Jo Zerivitz, the Museum's archive contains more than 100,000 items, including photographs, newspapers, oral histories, and historical artifacts. The Museum also features a research library, exhibitions, and educational and cultural programs held in the two historic buildings that originally housed Beth Jacob Congregation, the first synagogue on Miami Beach. The two buildings include the original 1929 building and the additional 1936 Art Deco building designed by renowned architect Henry Hohauser. Featuring 80 stained glass windows, a copper dome, and a marble bimah, the transformation from synagogue to museum was designed by the Miami Beach architecture firm Giller & Giller and opened in 1995. In 2008, the two buildings were joined together by the beautiful glass domed Bess Myerson Gallery, named for the first Jewish Miss America. In 2012, the Museum became part of Florida International University, the fourth largest public research university in the United States, creating a historic partnership that leverages the resources of the Museum and FIU. Together, we ignited a new era of interdisciplinary education, providing cultural, intellectual and innovative exhibitions and programs on matters related to Florida, the country and beyond.

Our strategic priorities include:
Celebrate and interpret Jewish culture and history in Florida through our collections and exhibitions;
Deepen relationships within our multi-cultural community;
Contribute to the excellence of Florida International University;
Achieve financial and operational stability.