Schedule a Group Tour

Called a "local treasure" by Yankee Magazine, the Yiddish Book Center welcomes groups for special guided tours of our architecturally unique building, designed to recall a shtetl—the iconic Jewish town of Eastern Europe— and set on the grounds of a scenic apple orchard in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Yiddish: A Global Culture, our new permanent exhibition, tells the diasporic story of modern Yiddish literature, theater, music, press, and politics through approximately 350 objects, including rare books, artwork, photographs, sheet music, Yiddish typewriters, memorabilia, and more. Global in scope yet deeply personal—with many prized heirlooms donated by families over the past 40 years—the exhibition tells the stories of both the creators and the consumers of Yiddish culture. In addition to exploring Yiddish: A Global Culture, your group will also tour our current visiting exhibit and spend time in our beautiful Yiddish Writers Garden. 

Group tours are arranged by appointment and may be scheduled Sunday to Friday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (The Yiddish Book Center is closed Saturdays and legal and Jewish holidays.) Allow 45 minutes to one hour for the tour, plus additional time to explore on your own and visit our English-language bookstore and gift shop. We're happy to provide you with contact information for area restaurants so that you may arrange for boxed lunches for your group. Dining space at the Center can be reserved for a nominal fee for small groups.

Groups tours scheduled by arrangement are $8.00 per person. The Yiddish Book Center is fully accessible and air conditioned, with ample free parking for buses and vans.

The Center is two hours from Boston, three hours from New York City, and about ninety minutes from the Berkshires. Full directions and information about local accommodations can be found here.

For more information or to arrange your visit, call Elizabeth Cardaropoli at 413-256-4900, ext. 124, email [email protected], or fill out this form: