The following is an excerpt of an article from the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, written by Dahlia Fisher and Courtney Krieger. We’ve run this abbreviated version with permission; click here to see the full article.
Just weeks ago we were focused on visitors joining us at our physical location to explore artifacts and images as a way to learn about Jewish heritage. Similarly, we could visit a number of amazing cultural institutions across Northeast Ohio to discover art, music, history, science and more. Suddenly, we’re feeling pretty isolated and that got us thinking. What if we could travel anywhere and visit any five cultural institutions, which ones would we choose?
We think you’ll know why these places are amazing (but just in case, we’re giving you a few hints). Read on for the top five cultural institutions we love right now!
1. CROW MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART
Location: Dallas, Texas
Favorite feature: When you visit their website’s exhibitions page, you can hear from curators of various shows and lean about key artifacts by watching short videos.
See for yourself: crowcollection.org/exhibitions
2. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE
Location: Washington, D.C.
Favorite feature: Through the museum’s Open Access Initiative anyone can search a database of historical objects spanning a wide range of topics, one more fascinating than the next.
See for yourself: nmaahc.si.edu/explore/collection
3. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART
Location: Chicago, Ill.
Favorite feature: With a permanent collection of approximately 10,000 pieces, they’ve digitized sections anyone, anywhere can explore online. Plus, the public is invited to submit pieces for a chance to be selected and showcased – wow!
See for yourself: nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/the-collection
4. NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MUSEUM
Location: Alexandria, Va.
Favorite feature: Check out their electronic field trips. They offer some video recordings that are currently free for use. And, don’t miss the online exhibits that allow you to tour a variety of topics at your own pace from the comfort of home.
See for yourself: womenshistory.org/womens-history/online-exhibits
5. THE BRITISH LIBRARY
Location: London, England
Favorite Feature: Sacred texts are both aesthetically and spiritually stimulating. In depth articles invite you to view the texts as artifacts as well as decode their meaning. You can also gain perspective through easy to digest videos discussing five different world faiths.
See for yourself: https://www.bl.uk/sacred-texts#
To sign up to receive the Maltz Museum’s weekly e-newsletter that brings cultural content from around the world into your home, visit maltzmuseum.org/connect
