Skirball Cultural Center | Los Angeles

The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles is a major cultural institution dedicated to fostering human connections and exploring Jewish heritage within the context of American democratic ideals and pluralism. It blends museum exhibitions, educational programs, performing arts, and community outreach to create an inclusive space that encourages dialogue, empathy, and understanding across cultures.

General Overview

Established: 1996

Founders: Named after Rabbi Dr. Jack H. Skirball, a reform rabbi, film producer, and philanthropist

Location: 2701 N. Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains

Architect: Designed by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, known for integrating natural landscapes with architectural elegance

Purpose and Mission

The Skirball’s mission is to “welcome people of all communities and generations to participate in cultural experiences that celebrate discovery and hope.” It is not a religious institution, but a cultural one, promoting universal values through a Jewish lens such as community, justice, and memory.

Key Features

1. Museum Galleries

Permanent Exhibits:

Visions and Values: Jewish Life from Antiquity to America — Traces 4,000 years of Jewish history through rare artifacts, multimedia displays, and immersive storytelling. It focuses on resilience, migration, tradition, and contribution to American life.

Noah’s Ark — A signature interactive experience for children and families. Visitors board a handcrafted, life-size ark filled with animal sculptures made from recycled materials. It emphasizes cooperation, community, and caring for the Earth.

Rotating Exhibits: Topics include history, art, fashion, social justice, diaspora culture, and contemporary issues. Exhibits are selected to resonate with both Jewish and global audiences.

2. Education Programs

For Schools: Hands-on workshops for K–12 students, including cultural literacy, archaeology simulations, and storytelling.

For Adults: Lectures, panel discussions, book talks, and adult education on ethics, history, art, and civic issues.

Interfaith and Cross-Cultural Dialogue: Programs that invite religious and ethnic communities to share perspectives and engage in mutual learning.

3. Performing Arts

The Skirball is also known for its dynamic performing arts series:

Concerts featuring global and folk music

Theater productions and dramatic readings

Film series highlighting human rights and heritage themes

Dance and spoken word performances

4. Special Events and Family Programming

Seasonal family events (especially around Jewish holidays)

Puppet shows, hands-on craft activities, and story hours

Public celebrations of Hanukkah, Passover, and Sukkot with cultural flair, often open to all backgrounds

Architecture and Grounds

The Skirball is not only notable for its programming but also for its serene and reflective physical setting:

Buildings and gardens blend with the surrounding hills

Courtyards, reflecting pools, and walking paths promote a peaceful visitor experience

The design facilitates light, air, and space—mirroring themes of openness and connection

Visitor Amenities

Skirball Café: Mediterranean and Californian cuisine with kosher-style options

Museum Store: Offers books, handcrafted Judaica, educational toys, and gifts

Parking: Free and ample, with electric vehicle charging

Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant, stroller- and wheelchair-accessible

Admission:

Generally $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, free for children under 2

Noah’s Ark often requires timed-entry tickets due to high demand

Free Admission Days: Common on Thursdays or during special events

Community Impact

The Skirball Cultural Center is recognized for:

Being one of the largest Jewish cultural institutions in the U.S.

Drawing over 600,000 visitors annually, many of whom are not Jewish

Creating a model for how ethnic identity can serve as a bridge to universal values and multicultural understanding

The Skirball is not simply a museum—it’s an intersection of education, art, and values. It’s particularly praised for welcoming diverse communities, families, and schoolchildren into a space where they can learn about the past while shaping a more inclusive and compassionate future.