Jewish Museum of Maryland Dedicates David M. Rubenstein Exhibition Arcade

March 24, 2025 JMORE Staff

Billionaire, philanthropist and Orioles owner David M. Rubenstein greets grateful patrons of the Jewish Museum of Maryland. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)

After a year-and-a-half of extensive renovations, the Jewish Museum of Maryland is once again open to the public.

To celebrate its new David M. Rubenstein Exhibition Arcade, the JMM held a dedication ceremony and brunch on Sunday morning, Mar. 23, honoring the Baltimore-born billionaire, Orioles owner, financier, philanthropist and former Kennedy Center board chairman.

The $1.5 million Rubenstein Arcade serves as the epicenter of the museum’s front of house, a central public space that branches out into galleries, an audio/video production studio and a library.

An agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the JMM is located at 15 Lloyd Street in East Baltimore’s Jonestown neighborhood, flanked by the historic Lloyd Street Synagogue and B’nai Israel Congregation.

Hundreds of local JMM supporters, community leaders and elected officials attended the gathering held in B’nai Israel’s main sanctuary, including Mayor Brandon M. Scott, former Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Maryland), Del. Samuel I. “Sandy” Rosenberg (D-41st) and Brooke E. Lierman, comptroller of Maryland.

Among the speakers were Andrew Cushnir, president and CEO of The Associated; JMM Executive Director Sol Davis; JMM President Erika Rief Hornstein and Robert A. Manekin, vice president of the museum; and Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen.

The JMM renovation included a multi-media gallery, a relocated lobby and entry experience, and updates to the museum’s major galleries.

Mayor Brandon Scott — Mayor Brandon M. Scott thanks David M. Rubenstein for his commitment to the city of Baltimore and the Jewish Museum of Maryland.
(Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)

Brandon Scott, Bob Manekin — Mayor Brandon Scott receives a big hug from Bob Manekin, vice president of the JMM. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)

Among those attending the dedication program were (left to right) Myrna and Ben Cardin and Brooke E. Lierman, comptroller of Maryland.
(Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)

JMM President Erika Rief Hornstein talks about the museum’s transformation and mission. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)

Del. Sandy Rosenberg listens intently to a speaker at the dedication program. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)

David Rubenstein , Andrew Cushnir — David M. Rubenstein (left) catches up with Associated President and CEO Andrew Cushnir. (Photo by Robnyn Stevens Brody)

Ben Cardin, David Rubenstein — Former Sen. Ben Cardin (left) chats with David M. Rubenstein.
(Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)

The JMM is currently presenting “To Say I Was Here,” a multi-media exhibition of Arabic, Greek, Ladino and Turkish-speaking Jewish immigrant musicians recorded in the United States between 1916 and 1966. For information about the JMM, visit jewishmuseummd.org/.