Discover the rich mosaic of Jewish cultures from around the world.
Proudly located at
Image: Painting: [2006.4.1.9] The Creation by Ori Sherman, 1986-88
The Magnes
Art, textiles, ceramics, texts — objects of sacred ritual and everyday use.
Proudly located at
Image: Power of Attention Exhibition, Spring 2017
The Magnes
Make a gift and shape the future.
Proudly located at
Image: Wedding Dress, detail (Rhodes, 19th Century) Gift of Sara Levi Willis
Support the future of The Magnes
What's On at The Magnes
Exhibitions and Public Programs that foster community, learning, and deeper understanding.
The Magnes Collection
The material culture of Jewish life throughout history and across the globe.
Research at The Magnes
Explore the archives, library, exhibitions, and holdings on site and online.
New Exhibition
In Twilight: Ori Sherman’s Creation
The work of Ori Sherman (1934-1988), an artist and illustrator beloved in the San Francisco Bay Area, was often infused with Jewish themes. At the end of his life after being diagnosed with AIDS, Sherman completed a cycle of 18 paintings depicting the seven days of the creation of the world as emerging directly from the Hebrew words in the Book of Genesis. The original pieces are displayed together in this exhibition.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Cal Day 2023 Open House
Apr 22 @ 10:00 am
Stop by to grab a kosher treat and learn about The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, the outstanding Jewish museum located right here at UC Berkeley. Enjoy exhibitions in our three galleries and discover ways you can get involved with research and programming dedicated to life in the global Jewish diaspora.
News
The Magnes Collection home to illumination series by artist Ellen Frank
Ellen Frank was a true renaissance woman — an artist, scholar, writer, and a woman dedicated to peace. Her family generously donated her illumination series, The Book of Judith, to The Magnes. Last December, Frank’s husband and daughter visited the collection to share memories of the artist and the work she did.
Discover the unexpected at The Magnes
Textiles
Torah Ark Curtains
Textiles created to cover and adorn the Torah Ark.
Texts
The Karaite Canon
Manuscripts from Cairo, Egypt
Images
Portraiture
Works by Ukrainian artist, Matvey Vaisberg.
Help The Magnes Collection infuse the future with the best of the Jewish past.
Latest News
News about The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life. Learn about exhibitions, programs, events, and collection highlights.
The Magnes Collection home to illumination series by artist Ellen Frank
Ellen Frank (1946-2021) was a true renaissance woman — an artist, scholar, writer, and a woman dedicated to peace. Her family generously donated her illumination series, The Book of Judith, to The Magnes. Last December, Frank’s husband and daughter visited the...
How is The Magnes rethinking its engagement with museum visitors? (Berkeley News 2.27.2023)
Alexander Rony interviews The Magnes Collection's Executive Director Hannah Weisman, discussing her goals for the museum and some challenges The Magnes faces. This article was originally published in the online publication Berkeley News (02.27.2023). How is the Magnes...
Students at The Magnes
Students play an important role at The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, one of the world’s preeminent Jewish collections in a university setting. "As well as being the meaningful, historical connection to my Jewish heritage... the [URAP] apprenticeship has...
Monthly Newsletter
The Magnes Collection’s “What’s On” e-newsletter provides up-to-date news about the collection, exhibitions, and programs.
Keep Up-To-Date