Jewish History Museum Opens To The Public Friday

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Philadelphia's newest museum officially opens to the public on Friday. The National Museum of American Jewish History welcomes visitors to its new Independence Mall location from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and until 5:30 p.m. on weekends.

Inside the $150 million glass-and-terra cotta building at 5th and Market Streets are exhibits that tell the story of more than three centuries of Jewish life in this country.

But museum president Michael Rosenzweig says it's a message that'll resonate with everyone, "A greater understanding of the commonalities we all share, rather than the differences that divide us."

Interactives, like the "It's Your Story" booth, collect the life experiences of visitors. Then there, are visuals such as Albert Einstein's pipe and Barbra Streisand's 'Yentil' costumes -- and, of course, a place to shop:

"It's not your typical museum store. It's got very fine Judaica. We think it's one of finest sources of Judaica in the country. So if you're looking for Hannukah presents, ritual objects, artistic Judaica -- we have it in abundance."

Note that because of the Jewish Sabbath, Saturday tickets must be purchased in advance, or at the Independence Visitors Center.

Reported By Ian Bush, KYW Newsradio