Jewish Museum of Switzerland., Jewish historical museum in Basel, Switzerland
The Jewish Museum of Switzerland is a history museum in Basel that displays religious objects, artworks, and cultural artifacts. Its collection spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary times and showcases both personal items and significant works of Jewish culture.
The museum was founded in 1966 and became the first Jewish museum to open in German-speaking Europe after World War II. This opening marked an important step in recognizing and preserving Jewish history in the region.
The collection displays Torah binders from Lengnau, silver ritual objects, and embroidered textiles that tell stories of celebrations and daily life in Swiss-Jewish communities. These pieces show how religious practices shaped social traditions over generations.
The museum is accessible to visitors during scheduled hours that vary by day of the week. It is best to check the timing before your visit to plan your arrival and make the most of your time there.
The museum preserves a wooden circumcision bench from 1791 with text from the Book of Genesis inscribed on it. This rare object shows how specialized furnishings were made for important religious ceremonies.
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