The best Jewish museums and cultural centres in London in 2026 are the Wiener Holocaust Library in Bloomsbury, the Holocaust Galleries at IWM London, the Ben Uri Gallery and Museum of Jewish and immigrant art, the Freud Museum in Sigmund Freud's final home, Bevis Marks Synagogue, Britain's oldest, and JW3, the Jewish community centre on Finchley Road.
The Jewish Museum London closed its Camden Town building in 2023, so the city's Jewish history is now told across several institutions: the Holocaust is covered in depth at IWM London and the Wiener Holocaust Library, art at the Ben Uri, and living Jewish culture at JW3 and in the historic synagogues. For places of worship and walking routes, see our Jewish heritage sites guide.
The world's oldest Holocaust archive, with free exhibitions.
The Wiener Holocaust Library, founded in 1933, is the world's oldest archive on the Holocaust and the Nazi era, with free public exhibitions in its Russell Square home.
It is a short walk from the British Museum.
Good to know: Exhibitions are free; check opening days, as it closes at weekends.
29 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DP
The UK's most comprehensive Holocaust exhibition.
The Holocaust Galleries at the Imperial War Museum London, opened in 2021, tell the story of the Holocaust through personal stories, objects and testimony, set within the wider history of the Second World War.
Entry to IWM London is free; the galleries are recommended for ages 14 and up.
Good to know: Allow at least two hours; book a free timed ticket.
Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ
Art by Jewish and immigrant artists in Britain.
Ben Uri, founded in Whitechapel in 1915, is a gallery and museum focused on the contribution of Jewish and immigrant artists to British art.
It is small but its exhibitions are thoughtful.
Good to know: Check opening days before visiting.
108A Boundary Rd, London NW8 0RH
Sigmund Freud's last home, with his famous couch.
The Freud Museum is the Hampstead house where Sigmund Freud lived after escaping Nazi-occupied Vienna in 1938, preserved with his study, library and the famous psychoanalytic couch.
It also tells the story of his daughter Anna Freud.
Good to know: Finchley Road and Swiss Cottage are the nearest tube stations.
20 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SX
Britain's oldest synagogue in continuous use, from 1701.
Bevis Marks, built by the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community in 1701, is the oldest synagogue in Britain in continuous use, with its original interior, candelabra and benches.
Its heritage centre tells the story of the community.
Good to know: Check visiting hours; it closes for services and Jewish holidays.
4 Heneage Ln, London EC3A 5DQ
London's Jewish cultural centre, with a cinema and events.
JW3 is a Jewish community and cultural centre on Finchley Road with a cinema, a kosher restaurant, talks, classes and festivals, open to everyone.
Its programme is the best way to experience contemporary Jewish London.
Good to know: Check its listings for film screenings and talks.
341-351 Finchley Rd, London NW3 6ET
No. The Jewish Museum London closed its Camden Town building in 2023. Its collection is being shown through partnerships and touring displays; check its website for current programmes.
The Holocaust Galleries at IWM London and the Wiener Holocaust Library in Bloomsbury, the world's oldest Holocaust archive, are the two essential visits.
Yes. Bevis Marks, Britain's oldest synagogue still in use (1701), welcomes visitors outside services, and its heritage centre tells its story. Check opening times before you go.
JW3 is a Jewish community and cultural centre on Finchley Road, with a cinema, kosher restaurant, events, talks and classes open to everyone.
It is the house where Sigmund Freud lived after fleeing Nazi-occupied Vienna in 1938, and it tells that story alongside his work; it is a museum of Freud rather than of Jewish history.