Welcome to the Skirball Cultural Center, a vibrant hub of cultural education and celebration in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1996, the center stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Dr. Uri D. Herscher, who saw the need for a multifaceted institution that could serve as a gathering place for people of all backgrounds. Named after the philanthropists Jack H. Skirball and Audrey Skirball-Kenis, the center was designed by the renowned architect Moshe Safdie. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, it embodies the ideals of community, diversity, and learning.
The Skirball Cultural Center is built on a foundation of Jewish history and culture, but it opens its doors to all, offering a wide array of exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Its Skirball Museum, originally established in 1972, features one of the world’s largest collections of Jewish artifacts, tracing the Jewish experience from antiquity to modern America through its core exhibition, ‘Visions and Values’.
Over the years, the center has expanded to include a performing arts center, conference halls, and a variety of gardens and courtyards. Noah’s Ark, a beloved interactive exhibit designed by Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects, invites families to explore and learn through play. This exhibit, with its whimsical art and innovative design, captures the imagination of children and adults alike.
Notable figures who have contributed to the Skirball’s mission include Jessie Kornberg, the current President and CEO, who continues to lead the center with a focus on inclusivity and cultural dialogue. Events at the center often feature notable speakers and performers, and it has hosted exhibitions on influential figures like comic book artist Jack Kirby.
As you explore the Skirball, you’ll discover a place where history comes to life, where community is celebrated, and where the past and present are seamlessly woven together to enrich the cultural fabric of Los Angeles.
