70 Years of LBI: Bridging Generations

On view beginning March 10, 2025.

LBI is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a two-part exhibit, 70 Years of LBI: Bridging Generations. The exhibit will tell the story of LBI’s founding and showcase recent LBI projects. The exhibit spans the Center for Jewish History's Constantiner, Berg, and Popper galleries.

The first part of the exhibit regales viewers with the story of the Institute from its May 1955 founding conference in Jerusalem to the present day. Featuring the most important moments from the last 70 years, the exhibit presents the events, staff members, scholars, and others who shaped the present and future of the Institute–and the field of German-Jewish studies at large. The exhibit explores the unique connection between the Institute’s activities, Germany, and the German-speaking Jewish diaspora. It also explains how the role and the audience of the Institute have changed with the new generations of scholars and lay audiences.

Drawing on rarely seen materials from LBI’s collections, the exhibit also showcases three private libraries, including one linked to a literary German Jewish emigrant Stammtisch, preserved by the Institute. Alongside these private collections, rare books with provenance markings are featured, including a rare first edition Kafka with a unique dedication. These items provide invaluable insights into the cultural identity and intellectual journeys of their owners as they moved across borders, uncovering stories of belonging, disruption, and continuity within the broader context of collective cultural memory.

The exhibit utilizes materials gathered but rarely seen over the years in LBI archives. The second part of the exhibit, “LBI at Work,” presents recent LBI projects, including our podcast series, online projects, and video interviews with scholars.

Supported by the Charles & Madeline Dreifus Family Exhibition Fund.

Visiting hours:

Sunday–Thursday: 9:30am–4:30pm
Friday: 9:30am-3:30pm
Saturday: Closed