Derfner Judaica Museum

Unexpected gem of a museum, brilliantly situated on the Hudson River.

I really liked going there. The parking is free, a novelty in New York City. The grounds offer both an interesting sculpture garden and great views of the Palisades. You should arrive in the morning when the sun is on the cliffs and the view is spectacular when autumn color comes to the Palisades.

Inside you will circle around an eclectic collection on a large first floor of one building. There is everything from Yankees memoribla to miniature dollhouse like settings of early 20th century life on the Lower East Side. There are paintings from just about any school, a wonderful collection of suramics and even a little NYBG style train show. Don't miss the European artifacts of religion, torahs and menorahs that predate World War II, an emotional viewing.

There is another aspect of the viewing area that I enjoyed, people live there. Retirees that have stories to tell and one was even putting on a ragtime profamance on a piano. Your museum guides are assisted living employees and residents, while the actual currator has plenty of time for each visitor. There is also a cafeteria with prices far below most museums eateries and views that are far above.

To get there you can take the BX7, either from the 207th Street A train stop or the 231th Street stop of the number 1 train, and get off at 261th Street. Then follow 261th to Palisades Ave.

Very Nice Staff, Interesting Display of Religious Artifacts.

It is a huge place with a lot of work on display. In addition to their permanent collection, there are rotating exhibitions and engaging shows featuring contemporary artists.
The Museum is busy through out the year organizing a wide range of educational and exhibition programming for visitors as well as residents of The Hebrew Home. There is a café and a wonderful sculpture garden overlook the Hudson River. It is a beautiful family friendly place to spend a day.

Derfner Judaica Museum and The Art collection located in a beautiful place with a great view of the Hudson river. There is a nice Sculpture garden and a backdrop of Palisades.
When I visited this place for the first time I was absolutely blown away with their art collection, which includes Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol , Diego Rivera, Marc Chagall, Joan Mitchel, Alex Katz, Louise Nevelson among other prominent names. No wonder that this museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.