The time has come, and the people have spoken! The
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience has been voted one of America's 10 Best
New Attractions in USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards. Winning
5th overall was already a huge accomplishment, but the Museum of the Southern
Jewish Experience also had the most votes than any other museum!
In all, there were 20 nominees chosen by a panel of
relevant experts, leaving the public to vote for their best attraction. The
Best New Attraction category included a varied list of nominees from across the
country, from adventure centers and skate parks to museums and immersive
experiences.
Despite the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
opening during a worldwide pandemic, their unique and dominant placement in
American culture over shined it all. The culture-defined museum takes a deep
dive into forms of immigration, commerce, and slave ownership, and the bonds of
friendship between Jews and Gentiles in the South. The museum artistically
tells stories of Jews being a significant driver in commerce in Charleston, New
Orleans, Richmond, and Savannah. The artifacts within the museum teach basic
tenets of faith creatively with pieces such as a hilarious Ask Bubbe
touchscreen to stained glass windows inspired by synagogues throughout the
South.
The museum also showcases the connection of Jews and
Blacks in the South through exhibitions about Jewish professors at historical
Black colleges and Jewish leaders in the civil rights movement. Of course, with
the museum being in New Orleans, there is also a nod to Mardi Gras because both
Black and Jews were barred from riding since krewes ran it.
Within the deep cultural roots the Museum of the Southern
Jewish Experience offers, the award is a tremendous honor to receive from the
museum just opening in May 2021. The quick recognition of MSJE opening
throughout a pandemic is essential for cultural exploration and a significant
tourist destination. In a press release, the newly high-ranked museum in the
country stated that it appreciates the support from the people of New Orleans,
supporters across the South, and thousands of visitors from around the world.
For more information about the museum and
upcoming events, visit msje.org.
