The CJM offers a variety of virtual and in-person tours that explore the evolving Jewish life of today. We strive to create an engaging learning experience and hold space for diverse voices and identities, making our tours accessible to all people. Learn more about our tour offerings for adult, senior, and school groups below.
This year, The CJM will offer private tours exploring light, ritual, photography, music, and architecture through our exhibitions.
Tours for private groups are $100 for a group of up to twenty-five people. Reduced rates are available to community service agencies providing services to disadvantaged, vulnerable, and low-income populations.
Capacity is limited, and advance reservations are required for all tours. Follow the link below to book your tour now. For questions, email tours@thecjm.org.
Available by reservation December 14, 2023–April 26, 2024
Discover the significance of light and its power in Jewish ritual through historic and contemporary objects and art. In this tour, we’ll explore First Light: Rituals of Glass and Neon Art to learn how nine artists use light and art making as a form of spiritual practice and identity expression, while discovering fascinating scientific processes that go into creating light through neon. We’ll also journey through a variety of Jewish ritual objects that highlight the foundational role of light in Jewish life and ritual, both historically and today, in Radiant Practices: Illuminating Jewish Traditions. Book your tour today to experience these two exhibitions together, and engage with the myriad forms of light that inform and inspire our existence.
RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped
Available by reservation September 7, 2023–January 26, 2024
How can music help us understand ourselves and our communities? Join us for a tour of RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped to discover the personal journey of Jay Blakesberg, a Jewish kid from New Jersey who followed his passion for music and photography to San Francisco and went on to capture era-defining musicians and moments across diverse genres. Immerse yourself in the electrifying visual history of music in the Bay Area and beyond through images of iconic artists including the Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Neil Young, Soundgarden, Carlos Santana, and many more. Come explore how Blakesberg captured an era, and experience the power that music can have in our lives.
Available by reservation February 23, 2023–May 28, 2024
Celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of The Museum’s landmark building, tours of L’Chaim: Celebrating Our Building at 15 examine the symbolism imbued in the unique architecture of The CJM. Join us virtually or in-person to explore the multitude of symbols layered in the space we inhabit, unlocking the meaning behind its dynamic energy and inviting you to experience the space anew.
The CJM is excited to offer interactive in-person and virtual school tours that highlight San Francisco history, bring to life the architecture and stories of The CJM’s building and surrounding neighborhood, delve into art and exhibitions, and offer Holocaust education.
All school tours feature an educator-led interactive tour and hands on art making. Virtual school tours are offered Monday–Wednesday on Zoom or another online video platform of your choice. In-person school tours are available on Thursdays, Fridays, and select Sundays.
Visit our School Tours page for more information, or book your tour today by clicking the button below.
Explore all of our teacher and school offerings including free, live virtual tours for K–12 students; short videos related to our exhibitions and curricula; a city-wide bookmaking competition; educator professional learning opportunities; teen internships, teacher resource guides; and more, by clicking below. We will continue to add new offerings throughout the year, so be sure to check back for updates!
Andria Lo, Gary Sexton Photography