The Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art Showcases
Faith and Beauty in Downtown Memphis
What began as Jack Belz’ childhood passion for sharing beauty with others through art and music has blossomed into a jewel in the center of Downtown Memphis, Tennessee.
The Judaica collection at the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art, formerly known as the Peabody Place Museum, is a touching collection of hundreds of works of art created by contemporary Jewish artists living and working in Israel. Ceremonial objects, illuminated parchments and statues made of bronze, stone and marble take visitors on a spiritual journey that is hard to forget.
Introduced to the public in the fall of 2004, the Judaica collection at the showcases the personal collection of Belz and his wife, Marilyn. The couple has traveled extensively, purchasing art that speaks to them and that they feel expresses the beauty and meaning of Judaism.
One of the prominent artists in the collection is Daniel Kafri, who has not only contributed masterpieces to the Belz’ collection, but has become a close family friend as well.
Other artists’ works project a similar sense of pride in the Jewish faith, including three series of bronze sculptures by Holocaust survivor and artist Nicki Imber, the dramatic painting, “Musicians of Safed,” by Reuven Rubin, intricate paintings by Ofra Friedland, and original photographs from Frederick Brenner.
Traditional Judaica is also in abundance, including special Passover plates, traditional charity boxes, a large Chanukiah menorah made of hand-crafted sterling silver and inlaid lapis stones, and a Torah scroll housed in a Sephardic, hand-chased silver carrying case.
What began as one man’s passion for art and his faith has grown into an educational, historical and spiritual journey in Downtown Memphis. As the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic art continues to grow, so too will the understanding and appreciation of the talent of the artists whose works are displayed there.
Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art
119 South Main Street – Concourse Level
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 523-ARTS