Housed in the elegant 17th‑century Hôtel de Saint‑Aignan, the mahJ invites visitors on a journey through two millennia of Jewish history—from medieval manuscripts to modern masterpieces by Chagall and Modigliani. Established in 1998, it succeeds the post‑war Jewish Art Museum, enriched by archival treasures such as the Dreyfus Affair documents and the Strauss collection.

The permanent route combines chronological, geographic, and thematic displays: ceremonial items, manuscripts, synagogue models from Eastern Europe, and artworks by Chagall, Soutine, Modigliani, Hirszenberg, showcasing both Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions. The Dreyfus archive, with some 3,000 documents, unveils a defining moment in French history.

Temporary exhibitions are regularly hosted—recent highlights include “Alfred Dreyfus. Truth and Justice” and “Paula Padani: The Migrant Dance,” as well as Pascal Monteil’s installation.

Open Tuesday to Sunday (Tue–Fri 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat–Sun from 10 a.m.), with occasional late openings. Closed Mondays and Jewish holidays (Rosh ha‑Shanah, Yom Kippur). General admission: €13; reduced rate €9; €5 for EU residents aged 18–25; free for various audiences and the first Saturday of the month for permanent collections.

Guided tours (in French and English, for adults and families), off‑site walks (“The Jewish Marais”), children’s workshops (“Draw me a cat”) and concerts (e.g. Nuit Blanche, Fête de la Musique) animate the space. Visitor services include multilingual audio‑guides, Bloomberg Connects app, children’s booklets, easy‑read format, induction loops, wheelchairs, magnifying glasses, cloakrooms, water fountains, seating areas.

The atmosphere blends solemn heritage with warmth—classical architecture housing spiritual artefacts. Its audience ranges from art lovers and families to scholars and tourists. Intriguingly, the mansion was home in the 19th century to Jewish immigrants, some of whom were arrested in 1942—thirteen were deported. The adjacent Anne‑Frank garden stands as a silent tribute.

Practical info: close to Rambuteau (Line 11) and Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 & 11) metros, bus lines 29, 38, 75, RER via Châtelet; parking at Pompidou/Hôtel de Ville, with accessible spaces on nearby streets. Booking recommended for popular expositions via TickEasy or on‑site; last admission 45 min before closing. The museum also offers venue rentals (courtyard, auditorium) for private events.