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Museum of Italian Jewish Art
Jerusalem Italian Jews Association: U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art, Conegliano Synagogue,Research Center, Restoration Workshop. The exhibits cover the scope of Italian Jewish life and contain ritual objects from medieval times to the present
Located in the heart of downtown Jerusalem, the Italian Jewish Art Museum is housed in the original 18th century Conegliano Synagogue
Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art is one of Jerusalem�s most precious possessions.
Founded in 1981, it was set up to collect, preserve and display objects pertaining to Jewish life in Italy from the Middle Ages through the present. In addition to the permanent collection, a number of temporary exhibits are held throughout the year covering a wide range of topics related to Italian Jewry, as well as conferences, concerts and guided tours suitable for all ages and interests.
At the U. Nahon Museum Italy and Judaism are strictly intertwined, "Jewish" being the cultural model and source of inspiration, and "Italian" the artistic forms by which this model expresses itself.
A typical feature of Italian Jewish art is the fusion of ancient and traditional motifs like the seven branch candelabra (menorah), the star of David and other characteristic elements of the Jewish tradition with the prevailing style of the period in which the handicraft was created. Besides that, we have to take into account that due to the widespread prohibition given to the Jews of working in craftmanship,most of the objects were commissioned to non-Jewish artisans that were influenced by their personal taste and skills.
