Jewish History Museum Gets New Home in Philadelphia

The National Museum of American Jewish History—the first to address the Jewish experience at a national level—is getting a new home one block from its current location on Independence Mall in Philadelphia. It will be housed directly across from the Liberty Bell and halfway between Independence Hall and the city's new Independence Visitor Center. Betheseda, Md.-based Gallagher & Associates is designing the exhibits chronicling American Jewish life from the 17th century through current 21st-century life and issues. A number of special exhibits, interactive displays, media venues and historic artifacts will be featured. James S. Polshek, FAIA, of New-York-based Polshek Partnership Architects, is designing the building. Anticipated opening: late 2009.