Interactive displays and timelines tell the history of Australia’s Jewish community from the earliest days of European settlement, while permanent exhibitions celebrate Judaism’s rich cycle of festivals, traditions and holy days. Past exhibits have featured everything from Amy Winehouse to the Jewish origins of major comic-book superheroes; check the website to see what's on.

The museum also has a good curatorial reputation for its contemporary art exhibitions. By car, follow St Kilda Rd from St Kilda Junction, then turn left at Alma Rd.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Linden New Art

0.56 MILES

Housed in a whitewashed, wrought-iron-clad 1870s mansion, Linden mainly champions new contemporary art by mid-career artists. The annual postcard show …

2. Artists Lane

0.61 MILES

Running parallel to Chapel St is Artists Lane (Aerosol Alley to southsiders), a long bluestone alley splattered in street art. The project was initiated…

3. Luna Park

0.66 MILES

Luna Park opened in 1912 and still has an old-style amusement-park feel, with creepy Mr Moon’s gaping mouth swallowing you up as you enter. There’s a…

4. St Kilda Botanical Gardens

0.71 MILES

Taking pride of place on the southern side of the Barkly–Carlisle–Blessington Sts triangle, the Botanical Gardens are an unexpected haven from St Kilda's…

5. St Kilda Foreshore

0.82 MILES

With a palm-fringed promenade, sandy beach and eclectic architecture, St Kilda’s seaside appeal lands somewhere between Brighton in England and Venice…

6. St Kilda Pier

0.88 MILES

Jutting out over the bay, St Kilda Pier offers a smashing view of the Melbourne skyline, best seen at sunset. The Edwardian-style kiosk at the end of the…

7. Justin Art House Museum

0.98 MILES

The geometric, zinc-clad home of Melbourne art collectors Charles and Leah Justin doubles as the Justin Art House Museum. Book ahead for a tour of the…

8. Prahran Market

1.05 MILES

Prahran Market is a Melbourne institution and foodie paradise. The facade – designed by Charles D'Ebro in Queen Anne revival style – dates back to 1891…