The Contemporary Jewish Museum Announces Next Steps in Re-Envisioning Organization's Future

Over the past year, The CJM Stabilized Finances and Created a Strategic Vision for the Future; Museum to List Building for Sale as Next Step Toward Sustainable Operating Model

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (San Francisco, CA) — The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) today announced a series of strategic steps to ensure a sustainable and impactful future for The Museum. Since temporarily closing in December 2024, The CJM’s Board of Trustees and executive leadership have worked to stabilize finances, safeguard endowment assets, and articulate a new vision that will resonate with future audiences.

Like many cultural institutions in the Bay Area and nationwide, The CJM has been adapting to a rapidly changing nonprofit and arts landscape through proactive, long-term planning. In order to create greater flexibility and ensure a viable operating model, The CJM will offer its building for sale. The Museum will identify a buyer complementary to the Yerba Buena neighborhood cultural district.

“As we enter our next chapter, every decision is guided by our commitment to remaining an essential part of the cultural fabric of the Bay Area for generations to come,” said Kerry King, Executive Director of The Contemporary Jewish Museum. “Over the past year, we’ve strengthened The CJM both financially and structurally, positioning the institution for a bold and lasting future. While our physical home may evolve, our dedication to serving as an essential hub for art, culture, and Jewish life remains unwavering.”

The CJM has used this period of temporary closure as a deliberate moment of recalibration—strengthening its operating model, while clarifying its vision and purpose. As a non-collecting, culturally specific contemporary art museum, The CJM is committed to being a platform for advancing the work of Jewish artists and artists whose practices explore Jewish themes and ideas.

In collaboration with a team of prominent pro bono consultants, Museum board members, staff, and key stakeholders examined The Museum’s vision and purview in the context of today’s evolving cultural landscape and identified opportunities to better serve artists and visitors alike.

“As a result of this work, we have a clear and compelling direction ahead for The Museum,” said Tom Kasten, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Contemporary Jewish Museum. “We are particularly excited to strengthen our focus on contemporary art as a powerful lens for interpreting and contributing to the Jewish experience today and into the future. This emphasis will allow us to engage audiences more deeply and meaningfully, while remaining responsive to the moment we’re in.”

The CJM was founded in 1984 and opened its current building in 2008, designed by internationally-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. Inspired by the Hebrew phrase l’chaim (“to life”), the building’s design reflects The CJM’s commitment to exploring dynamic, contemporary Jewish life. As The CJM looks ahead, it remains dedicated to maintaining a long-term presence in San Francisco.

“It has been both an honor and a profound responsibility to shape a building for this community—one that transforms a historic power station into a new architectural expression of light, form, and public life,” said architect Daniel Libeskind. “As The Contemporary Jewish Museum enters its next chapter, it is my hope that the building continues to inspire all who encounter it, serving as a lasting testament to Jewish life in San Francisco and the creativity and cultural exchange it was conceived to foster.”

“The Contemporary Jewish Museum has played a defining role in shaping the creative energy of Yerba Buena and downtown. As the Museum implements a new sustainable model, we look forward to how they will continue to support San Francisco’s cultural landscape,” said Anne Taupier, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “A thriving arts scene is critical to San Francisco’s economic resurgence, and Yerba Buena remains a key cultural hub, driving our comeback."

The CJM is engaged in curatorial planning, including hiring for a curatorial position, co-creating multidisciplinary exhibitions with other cultural organizations, and collaborating on joint programming with peer organizations. In addition, The CJM is organizing formal opportunities for input through forums with artists, curators, Jewish thought leaders, partners, and audience members locally and nationally. Insights from these conversations will guide the development of mission-aligned exhibitions and programs and expand The CJM’s impact.

About The Contemporary Jewish Museum

The Contemporary Jewish Museum creates welcoming spaces to explore and contribute to Jewish culture by spotlighting the contemporary arts. The Museum’s exhibitions, programming, and activities stimulate Jewish thought, artistic activity, and civic imagination to express the spirit of the times. The CJM is continuing to provide digital content that offers insight into an array of perspectives during The Museum’s temporary closure. The CJM’s building will remain active as a venue for events and rentals, and The CJM will continue to book new events through January 2027.

For more information about The Contemporary Jewish Museum, please visit thecjm.org.