Contemporary Jewish Museum Opens on June 8

It's been more than two months since my initial walk-through at the nearly-completed Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM). And it's been almost two years since the groundbreaking at 736 Mission Street -- at the historic Jessie Street Power Substation.

Now, San Francisco's architectural icon of blue steel is set to open. In a few days -- on Sunday, June 8 -- the museum will celebrate its anticipated Grand Opening. Opening day is made all the more grand by free admission -- with a roster of performances and family activities throughout the afternoon.

If you haven't yet seen the photos, make a stop at the Contemporary Jewish Museum Gallery to get a glimpse of the Daniel Libeskind design. Libeskind was careful to preserve elements of the historic substation within the context of the new building.

In the image gallery, you can also read about the embedded symbolism. Libeskind drew inspiration from the Hebrew phrase L'Chaim -- "to life." And the confluence of symbolism and structure is apparent throughout the museums walls and gallery spaces.

More details on the Contemporary Jewish Museum and Grand Opening:

• CJM Photo Gallery
  With information on inaugural exhibitions and building design
• CJM Website

SoMa/South of Market
736 Mission Street (across from Yerba Buena Gardens)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Telephone: (415) 655-7800
See SoMa on San Francisco Neighborhood Map

^{Photo © Bruce Damonte - Courtesy of Contemporary Jewish Museum}