About the Magnes
The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, a museum and research center at the University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world’s preeminent Jewish museums. The Magnes connects people of all backgrounds with the history, vibrancy, and diversity of Jewish life around the world through its collections-based exhibitions and programs.
In 1962, the Judah L. Magnes Museum was founded by Seymour and Rebecca Camhi Fromer, becoming one of the first Jewish museums in the United States. Reflecting the guiding concerns of American Jewry after the Holocaust, the Berkeley museum focused on preserving the legacy of vanishing communities around the world. In 2010, the musuem was acquired by the University of California, Berkeley and became the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life. Learn more about the history of The Magnes.
Our Mission
As a museum and research center at UC Berkeley, the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life preserves, studies, and interprets its holdings to generate new knowledge and understanding of Jewish cultures with and for its academic and public communities.
Our Vision
The Magnes envisions a society that seeks common ground while honoring cultural differences and embraces the diversity of Jewish life around the world.
Our Values
Community
The Magnes fosters a sense of belonging through collaboration and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
Stewardship
The Magnes manages its collections and other resources to ensure the museumʼs ongoing cultural relevance and financial sustainability.
Discovery
The Magnes creates and facilitates collections-based opportunities for research, teaching, learning, and creative expression.
Who We Are
The Magnes and the University
The Magnes is a museum in the Division of Arts & Humanities at the University of California, Berkeley.
Working together with partners across campus, the Magnes helps make the university a robust center for Jewish research, scholarship, and teaching.
The Magnes Team
Our team is the heart of the Magnes. A staff of museum professionals, we work collaboratively to steward the collection, develop exhibitions, and provide opportunities for meaningful collections-based engagement with our community.
Magnes Museum Foundation
The Magnes Museum Foundation promotes the well being of the Magnes Collection at the University of California, Berkeley. The Foundation holds an endowment on behalf of the Magnes, contributing funds annually and for special projects.
Latest News
News about The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life. Learn about exhibitions, programs, events, and collection highlights.
The Magnes Presents No Lines in the Sea: A Musical Journey Exploring the Jewish Diaspora and Mediterranean Heritage
BERKELEY, CA — UC Berkeley’s Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life is proud to present No Lines in the Sea, a musical performance featuring internationally acclaimed vocalist and bandleader Elana Sasson with Queralt Giralt on cello and Bahar Badiei on oud. Taking...
The Magnes appoints Dr. Alissa Schapiro as Senior Curator
BERKELEY — The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life at the University of California, Berkeley, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Alissa Schapiro as its new Senior Curator beginning April 20, 2026. An accomplished art historian, educator, and curator, Dr....
Shelf by Shelf: A multi-year inventory of the collection
In the storage rooms of the Magnes, a meticulous review and inspection of the collection is taking place. Shelf by shelf and box by box, the museum’s staff is conducting a comprehensive inventory that bridges 64 years of analog history with a new digital future....
Press Room
The Magnes welcomes inquiries from the press. For articles about collections and exhibitions, and other related inquiries, please contact Laura Bratt at lbratt@berkeley.edu.
Newsletters
The Magnes Collection’s “What’s On” e-newsletter provides up-to-date news about the collection, exhibitions, and programs.
Education
As one of the preeminent Jewish collections in the world, the Magnes connects students of all backgrounds with the vibrancy and diversity of Jewish life in the global diaspora and the American West through its holdings of art, objects, texts, and music.
Education Engagement and Resources
Resources and digital media to help bring Jewish Art and Life into the classroom.
Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP)
Offering an opportunity to earn academic credit and gain experience in the arts
Join the Magnes Team
Careers at The Magnes
See what positions are currently open at the Magnes and become and integral part of our mission.
Volunteer
Help the Magnes bring our exciting exhibitions and programs to the community.
Venue Rental
The Magnes offers designated spaces available for private and corporate events, during and after public hours.
Do you still have a question?
If you can’t find the answer to your question, you can always contact us.
