I’ve been exploring a wonderful event happening in New York City soon that opens up so many fascinating places. It’s called Open House New York Weekend, and it’s a chance to see hundreds of spots across all five boroughs that are usually closed to the public or just not on the typical tourist path. From October 18th to 20th, over 270 locations will be accessible, offering everything from artist studios to behind-the-scenes looks at construction sites. What’s particularly interesting to me is how many sites with Jewish history and significance are participating, offering a unique way to understand the city’s character.
Discovering Jewish Heritage in NYC
New York City has a deep Jewish history, spanning 370 years, and is home to about a million Jewish residents. This rich heritage is wonderfully showcased through the Open House New York Weekend. I’ve looked into some of the Jewish sites that will be open, and they offer a diverse range of experiences, from historic places of worship to cultural centers and even creative businesses.
Artistic Expressions in Brooklyn
In Brooklyn, I found an artist’s studio that sounds really special. Allison Eden, known for her colorful custom tile mosaics, will open her Bushwick studio at 164 Cook Street. She’s been creating unique tiles for over 30 years, and her studio is described as a glass mosaic museum that captures the city’s pop art culture. It’s a chance to see incredible art and learn about a craft that’s been part of New York for so long.
The studio is scheduled to be open on Sunday, October 20th, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This seems like a great opportunity to see artistic talent up close and maybe even find a unique piece inspired by the city.
A Center for Peace in Brooklyn
Another interesting spot in Brooklyn is the Brooklyn Peace Center at 23 Marcus Garvey Boulevard. This organization works towards peacebuilding and conflict transformation. What’s fascinating is that the building itself has a history, originally built in 1891 as the First Austro-Hungarian Congregation Beth Shalom. Visitors will get to explore the entire space, including a social enterprise coffee shop called the Peace Cafe.
Tours of the Brooklyn Peace Center will be available on Saturday, October 19th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s wonderful to see how a historic building can be repurposed to serve a community’s needs for peace and connection.
The Legacy of Brooklyn Seltzer
For something truly unique, the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum at 474 Hemlock Street is a must-see. This is home to the Brooklyn Seltzer Boys, which is apparently the last remaining seltzer factory in all of New York City. The museum delves into the 2,500-year history of seltzer, highlighting its significance in New York City and its Jewish community. I think this is a really fun and educational experience that many families would enjoy.
You can visit the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum on Sunday, October 20th, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. It’s amazing to think about the long history of something as simple as carbonated water!
Immigrant Journeys at Castle Garden
Heading downtown, a special tour will be offered at Castle Garden Emigrant Depot, located at Battery Place and State Street. This was the country’s first immigrant processing center, operating from 1855 to 1890 before Ellis Island opened. National Park Service Rangers will use old images and stories to bring the facility to life. It’s important to remember that this place welcomed about 8 million new Americans, including many Jewish immigrants during its later years.
This immersive historical experience is available on Saturday, October 19th, and Sunday, October 20th, with tours at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. It sounds like a powerful way to connect with the city’s immigrant past.
Architectural Grandeur of Central Synagogue
In Manhattan, the Central Synagogue at 652 Lexington Avenue is a stunning example of architecture and community. This Reform Jewish congregation, led by Senior Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, is housed in a beautiful Moorish Revival building that’s a New York City landmark. Built in 1872 and designed by Henry Fernbach, it was inspired by Budapest’s Dohány Street Synagogue. The building itself is a testament to the artistry and history of Jewish life in the city.
Central Synagogue will be open on Sunday, October 20th, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. They are offering opportunities for personal meditation and short, ongoing tours. I imagine the sanctuary is breathtaking.
Judaica Art with a View
For those in the Bronx, the Derfner Judaica Museum at 5901 Palisade Avenue offers a unique cultural experience. Located within the Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, it boasts incredible views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. The museum features fine art and Jewish ceremonial objects. Currently, there’s an exhibition called “Artfully Arranged” that explores the intersection of nature and urban life through floral forms.
The museum is open on Sunday, October 20th, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a guided tour at 1:30 p.m. Please remember that ID is required for entry. It’s wonderful that such a space exists, combining art, heritage, and a beautiful setting.
The Henry Street Settlement’s Enduring Mission
On Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the Henry Street Settlement at 265 Henry Street has a long and meaningful history. Founded in 1893 by Lillian Wald, a Jewish nurse and activist, it provided vital education, healthcare, and vocational training for Jewish immigrants. Today, it continues to serve New Yorkers from all backgrounds with social services, healthcare, and arts programs. The guided tours during Open House New York Weekend will offer a deep dive into Wald’s remarkable achievements, including her advocacy for school lunch programs and public playgrounds.
Ticketed tours are available on Saturday, October 19th, at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. It’s inspiring to see an organization that has maintained its commitment to community service for so many years.
A Glimpse into Romaniote Jewish History
Another exceptional site in Manhattan is the Greek Romaniote synagogue at 280 Broome Street. This is the only Greek Romaniote synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. During guided tours by synagogue members, visitors can learn about the 2,000-year history of Romaniote Jews and admire the active synagogue building, which dates back to 1927 and has been beautifully restored. There’s also a museum on-site dedicated to the history of Greek Jews.
This fascinating glimpse into a unique Jewish community will be available on Sunday, October 20th, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., with ongoing guided tours. I think this is a chance to discover a part of Jewish history that is not widely known.
Marcel Breuer’s Architectural Footprints
In the Bronx, CUNY’s Lehman College campus at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West showcases the work of the renowned architect Marcel Breuer. Breuer, who was born into a Jewish family in Hungary, designed two significant buildings here: Shuster Hall, with its distinctive terra cotta screen, and the sleek Fine Arts Building. These were among his first completed works in New York City, showcasing his influential Modernist style.
The campus, featuring these architectural marvels, will be open for tours on Saturday, October 19th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in architecture or the impact of artists with Jewish heritage on the city’s landscape.
The Art of Fabric Flowers
In Manhattan’s Garment District, M&S Schmalberg at 242 West 36th Street offers a look into a unique family business. This artificial flower business has been owned by the same Jewish family for 108 years. Adam Brand, a fourth-generation owner, continues the tradition of making faux flowers much like his ancestors did when they started in 1916. They specialize in custom fabric flowers for fashion designers and costume makers.
During the event, visitors can witness every step of the vintage flower-making process. The atelier will be open on Friday, October 18th, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with tours offered every 30 minutes. It’s a fascinating look at a handcrafted art form.
Eldridge Street Synagogue Museum
The Eldridge Street Synagogue Museum at 12 Eldridge Street on the Lower East Side is a truly remarkable place. Housed in a landmarked synagogue that opened in 1887, it was one of the first grand houses of worship for Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the U.S. It stands as the only remaining marker of the major Jewish migration to the Lower East Side that is open to the public. The museum also features “Memory and Inheritance: Paintings and Ceremonial Objects by Tobi Kahn,” a retrospective of the acclaimed Jewish artist.
The museum is open on Sunday, October 20th, from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with guided tours available on the hour. It’s a chance to experience both history and contemporary art within a significant historical setting.
The Renee & Chaim Gross Foundation
In Greenwich Village, Manhattan, the former residence of sculptor Chaim Gross and his wife Renee, at 526 LaGuardia Place, now houses The Renee & Chaim Gross Foundation. Chaim Gross, a Jewish American sculptor who immigrated to New York City in 1921, and his wife transformed an art storage warehouse into their home. The space will be open for self-guided tours, showcasing a gallery of Gross’s work and the family’s living and dining areas filled with their art collection.
This unique cultural space will be accessible on Saturday, October 19th, and Sunday, October 20th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It offers a personal glimpse into the lives and collections of artists who shaped the city’s cultural landscape.
Temple Emanu-El’s Rich History
Finally, Temple Emanu-El at 1 East 65th Street in Manhattan is home to the oldest Reform Jewish congregation in the city, founded in 1845. Its impressive limestone building, completed in 1927, is one of the largest synagogues globally. Designed with a blend of Byzantine, Romanesque, Moorish, and Art Deco styles, it features a stunning sanctuary with mosaics by Hildreth Meière. The tour also includes the Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica, featuring the “All About Herzl” exhibition.
Temple Emanu-El will be open on Sunday, October 20th, with guided tours available at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The grandeur and history of this landmark are truly impressive.
I’m really looking forward to this event and how it highlights the incredible diversity and history within New York City, especially through its Jewish heritage. It seems like a wonderful opportunity for families to learn and explore together. For instance, when I think about visiting places with my daughters, Emma and Sofia, I always look for those that offer a clear educational aspect without being too overwhelming. This Open House event sounds perfect for that, allowing you to choose exactly what sparks your interest and at your own pace.
For families considering a trip to New York City, looking into events like Open House New York Weekend can really enhance the experience. You can discover so much about the city’s history and culture beyond the usual tourist spots. If you are interested in exploring more of what the city has to offer, you might find our guide to top things to do in New York City helpful for planning your visit.
This is a great chance to see the city in a new light, understanding its layers of history and community through its buildings and institutions. The variety of sites, from art studios to historical synagogues, ensures there’s something to engage everyone.
