Spertus Institute Collection Highlights

Preserving the Material Culture of the Jewish people is fundamental to the mission of Spertus Institute. Our collections — of books, films, music, artworks, artifacts, rare antique maps, and archival items — number more than half a million. Items from our collections are incorporated into our exhibitions, courses, and public programming.

Spertus Institute Collection Highlights can be viewed online, showcasing examples of Jewish art and material culture that have shaped and given expression to the Jewish experience. We invite you to explore these collection highlights, share them, learn from them, and use them to teach and inspire. Browse objects by themes, view items by category, or search by keyword. Take a closer look with high-resolution photography and multimedia clips. If your interest is piqued, learn more with suggested resources from the Asher Library. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Spitz Foundation. MORE>

The Asher Library at Spertus Institute serves a diverse populace locally, nationally, and internationally, with a special emphasis on developing collections and services for Spertus students and the Jewish community. Our library is open to the public and responds to inquiries from around the globe.

Asher Library Library borrowing privileges and access to an array of online resources are available to Spertus members, as well as Spertus students and faculty. Enjoy access to popular and scholarly ebooks, Jewish documentaries and features on streaming video, articles from an expansive variety of journals, and valued resources such as the Otzar HaHochma library of over 105,000 Jewish texts scanned in their original format. BECOME A SPERTUS MEMBER >

View Collection Highlights and explore an online selection of treasures from Spertus Institute's collection. Get a close look at Jewish religious objects from around the world, as well as fine art, rare books, and historical artifacts.
Take a look >