Welcome

Preserving the material culture of the Jewish people is fundamental to the mission of Chicago’s Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. The Spertus collection of art and artifacts numbers roughly 15,000 objects and includes a diverse range of Jewish religious objects from around the world, as well as fine art, rare books, and historical artifacts.

We invite you to explore a selection of treasures from this world-class collection. Browse items by category, or search by keyword. Take a closer look with high-resolution photography and multimedia clips. Learn more with suggested resources for further study from Spertus Institute's Asher Library.

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Please note that works featured here may not be on public view at Spertus Institute. To learn more about Spertus Institute, including exhibits, public programs, and academic offerings at our Michigan Avenue campus and select other locations, please visit the main Spertus Institute website.

The roots of the Spertus Collection lie in the vision of its founding donor, Chicago businessman Maurice Spertus. more >