With the opening of its new building on June 8, 2008, the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) ushered in a new chapter in its 20-plus year history of engaging audiences and artists in exploring contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas. The new facility, designed by internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, is a lively center where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather to experience art, share diverse perspectives, and engage in hands-on activities. Inspired by the Hebrew phrase “L’Chaim” (To Life), the building is a physical embodiment of the CJM’s mission to bring together tradition and innovation in an exploration of the Jewish experience in the 21st century.

The Jessie Street Power Substation was originally constructed in 1881. After the earthquake and fires of 1906, architect Willis Polk remodeled the building in Classical Revival style with a towering, arched doorway and Romanesque attributes. It served as a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG &E) energy utilities substation until the late 1960s. The substation was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and was designated a San Francisco Landmark in 1977. The opening of the CJM marked the first time this historic building will be accessible to the public in it’s over 100-year history.

Join ACP for a special facility tour by Robert Larmon, CJM’s own Facilities Manager. Discover how renowned architect Daniel Libeskind brought the landmark Jessie Street Power Substation back "to life" and how the building operates.