Did you know that America’s 250th birthday is also the 150th anniversary of the Capital Jewish Museum’s historic synagogue? Bring the whole family to learn about the past, build on the present, and imagine the future with the help of our friends from the National Building Museum. Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm. Activities include:
- Tactile learning and play in a pop-up Hands On Room! Be the first to interact with the Capital Jewish Museum’s brand-new Judaica Education Collection. Plus, build with vintage Legos, Lincoln Logs, and other architecture themed pieces from the National Building Museum’s Auxiliary Collection.
- Discover the new lobby displays featuring stories of Jewish Washington from 1876, 1926, and 1976. A scavenger hunt will help young learners drop into Jewish life in Washington, reflecting on changes, expansions, and relocations over the past 150 years. Prizes for complete scavenger hunts!
- Making art and writing reflections to add to the Museums’ 2076 Time Capsule Project
- The Slogans and Stickers contest: win the chance to have your quips featured on new Gewirz Museum Shop merchandise!
- Snap a family picture in the Commemorative Photobooth, then use supplies in the craft room to create a custom frame or scrapbook page so that future generations can learn about 2026
- Explore CJM’s Map Table and then add your memories, hopes, and ideas to the National Building Museum’s collaborative Future Cities Initiative
- Cool down with a cool story or two! We’ll have a cozy Book Nook with books for all ages about Jewish American history, community, and values, led by our friends from PJ Library.
- And what would a summer day be without sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, bubbles, and more? The third floor terrace will be open for outdoor activities as long as weather permits.
Families of all ages and backgrounds are welcome; best appreciated by children between the ages of 5 and 13. Presented in partnership with the National Building Museum and PJ Library.
Heat Advisory – as of 7/2/26:
Please be advised that the air conditioning system at the Museum is currently undergoing repair; we have temporary “chillers” and fans installed around the Museum instead.
While these mobile A/C units will keep the cool air flowing, they also make a loud humming noise that may affect those with hearing aids or noise sensitivity. Additionally, these units require cords and cables for power and drainage – in high traffic areas such as hallways, these cords and cables have been wrapped with safety covers. These covers may present mobility challenges or could be a tripping hazard. We have increased our signage to help direct guests in such areas.
Water fountains can be found on all three floors of the Museum, and each has a water bottle filler. Guests are welcome to bring a water bottle to the Museum to stay hydrated – just remember to keep it sealed in the exhibition galleries.
Image: 1908 photo of Adas Israel Synagogue with the Pension Office (now the National Building Museum) on the same block. Gift of Henry Brylawski, Capital Jewish Museum Collection.
