The Dr. Bernard Heller Museum is a hidden gem in Greenwich Village. Designed by the noted architecture firm of Harrison and Abramowitz, architects of the United Nations headquarters, the museum is part of Hebrew Union College. Its mission is to highlight “contemporary artists of all faiths exploring Jewish identity, history, culture, and experience through exhibitions, educational programs, and publications that interpret core Jewish values, texts, and beliefs, foster a deeper appreciation for Jewish heritage, and advance multiethnic and interfaith understanding.”
On March 15th, you can join Untapped New York Insiders for a docent-led tour of the Heller Museum where you’ll explore the ark-shaped Petrie Synagogue and the current art exhibitions on display. You’ll also see the compelling Monument of the Holocaust bas-reliefs by Lithuanian artist Arbit Blatas. This in-person tour is free for Untapped New York Insiders. Not an Insider yet? Join today to gain access to free in-person and virtual events exclusively for members!
Tour the Heller Museum
Currently, on display at the Heller Museum, there are two powerful art exhibits. In One Nation, a variety of contemporary artists created works that “illuminate the diverse and vibrant identities comprising American society and express their aspirations for equity, inclusion, and justice.” In Tzedek Boxes: Justice Shall You Pursue, a group of artists put their own twists on a new Jewish ceremonial object,
A Tzedek box is a container made to hold diary entries about meaningful acts of service. The ritual is meant to encourage the Jewish call for justice. Once a year on Yom HaTzedek, the box is opened for its contents to be reviewed as a form of sacred accountability.
In addition to the two art exhibits, Insiders on the docent-led tour will also explore elements of the museum’s architecture and permanent collection. Inside the Petrie Synagogue, which is shaped like Noah’s ark, guests will be dazzled by the golden oak walls, gilded suspended ceiling, and stained glass windows by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam which represent the Twelve Tribes of Israel. From the permanent collection, guests will see The Monument of the Holocaust by Arbit Blata, a series of seven bronze bas-reliefs depicting scenes leading up to and during the Holocaust. Join us on March 15th to explore the Heller Museum on a docent led tour!
Tour the Heller Museum
Next, check out 10 Jewish Sites on the Lower East Side and 10 Repurposed Synagogues in NYC