While Paris is popularly known for its world-famous Eiffel Tower, cheese and wine, it is also home to several hidden cultural gems. One such symbol of heritage is the impressive Museum of Jewish Art and History, locally known by its French name, Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsm. It is a rich source of historical knowledge for students who want to know more about Europe’s Jewish culture, throwing light on many intriguing facts. It makes for an interesting visit during a school trip to Paris, as young minds can benefit from a learning opportunity that goes much beyond the classroom walls.
An Animated Lesson in History
Classroom lessons can often become tedious for youngsters, but this educational visit is an excellent way to capture their imagination. Set up in 1998, the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsm is a spectacular collection that has the aim of informing visitors about the varied Jewish traditions and culture, both in France and throughout the rest of the world, over the past two thousand years. It was founded as a state-approved non-profit organisation and has now gained global popularity.
Within the museum, students can chronologically learn about the history of Judaism around the world, highlighting the unique customs and art, including a beautiful range of traditional Hanukkah lamps. This makes it an ideal addition to the itinerary of any school trip to Paris as it makes history a fun subject for curious minds.
Interesting Things to Do in the Museum
The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsm is open every day of the week, except for Monday (pre-booked group visits are the exception to the rule). The building houses over 12,000 works of literature and art, as well as a wealth of archive documents. This is a wonderful resource for teachers who want their students to learn about the Jewish community, as no other museum in France represents their culture so extensively. To make the visit multi-dimensional, the museum runs walking tours of the Jewish Marais in English that are suitable for people of all ages.
Organising a history trip for youngsters does not have to be a stressful affair. It is advisable to enlist the expertise of a specialised educational travel tour operator, which can make planning a school trip to Paris hassle free. This also enables you to make the most of your time in the city, helping you better engage with your students as they explore Jewish history.
Paris has always been a firm favourite for an educational getaway. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsm teaches children the importance of cultural and religious diversity, which is an invaluable lesson in the twenty-first century. A well-planned school trip to Paris will certainly be an experience your students will remember for a lifetime.
John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in educational trips in destinations all over the world. Whether you’d like to organise a school trip to Paris, exciting tours around North America or day trips in the UK, this company will work with you to design bespoke outings to suit the needs of your students.
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