The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, in the eastern Cleveland suburb of Beachwood, opened in late 2005. It is a beautiful, 24,000-square foot building made of Jerusalem limestone that tells the story of the Jewish community in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio -- from the 18th century to the present -- with exhibits, interactive computer displays, and video oral histories.

The Museum:

The Maltz Museum is the brain-child of Cleveland media mogul, Milton Maltz and his wife Tamar.

They conceived the project after seeing a similar museum in Amsterdam and contributed well over half of the funds as well as the ideas for its creation. The results are spectacular. The 24,000-square foot, elegant building, made from Jerusalem limestone and glass is a stunning tribute to Cleveland's Jewish citizens, past and present -- as well as to the Maltzes.

The Exhibits:

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage is divided into three sections -- the permanent collection, a large exhibition hall for visiting exhibits, and the Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery. The permanent collection includes eight galleries, with exhibits such as "They've Arrived" about NE Ohio's Jewish immigrants and "Wonderland" - a tribute to Ohio's Jewish entertainers from Vaudeville to the present, narrated by native NE Ohioan, Joel Grey.

Also featured in the permanent exhibits are "To Serve," a look at Jewish Ohioans contributions during wartime and "The World Remade," a look at rebuilding the Jewish trust and community after the fascism and loss of the mid-20th century.

The spacious temporary exhibition hall hosts important visiting collections from around the world, such as "Cradle of Christianity," "The Enemy Within," "ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero" and "Women & Spirit."

Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery:

The Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery showcases 170 periodically changing treasures from the University Circle Temple's extensive collection of textiles, paintings, sculpture, and lithographs, dating from the 18th century to the present. Among the objects displayed are a series of Marc Chagall paintings depicting the Exodus and elaborately embroidered Torah coverings.

Visiting the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage:

The Maltz Museum is conveniently located near I-271 and Chagrin Blvd., on Richmond Road, between Shaker and Woodland. The museum boasts ample free parking as well as an interesting gift shop.

Contact Information:

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
2929 Richmond Road (at Shaker Blvd.)
Beachwood, OH
216 593-0575

Hours and Admission:

Hours:
Tuesday: 11am - 5pm
Wednesday: 11am - 9pm
Thursday and Friday: 11am -5pm
Saturday: Noon - 5pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
The museum is closed on Mondays

General Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (60+), $10 for students 12 - college, $5 for children 5-11, free for Museum Members, active duty military members and their families, and children under 5. Admission includes access to entire museum, including special exhibitions.

Hotels Near the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage:

The Maltz Museum is within a mile of several hotels and restaurants at the I-271 and Chagrin Blvd. interchange. Among the best are the Clarion Hotel (check rates), the Courtyard by Marriott (check rates), and the Hampton Inn (check rates).

^{(last updated 7-9-13)}