Spertus is Chicago's Jewish education and cultural center. It offers an innovative array of public programming, including exhibits, performances, films, and lectures some presented by the esteemed faculty who teach for its graduate programs. The institute collects, preserves, and displays materials from the Jewish experience in a stunning, contemporary building with fabulous views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan. Art from the institute's collection is showcased throughout the building and temporary exhibits examine aspects of Jewish culture. The building also includes a 400-seat theater and a gift shop that carries art, books, music, videos, and contemporary and traditional Jewish ceremonial gifts. Allow 1 hour.

Founded in 1924 as Chicago’s College of Jewish Studies, Spertus Institute today offers an innovative, non-denominational array of specialized and public programming, grounded in Jewish thought, inspired by Jewish values, and resolutely relevant to people’s lives.

Spertus offers accredited graduate-level degree programs in areas that are critical to the Jewish and wider communities—including Jewish studies, leadership training, and nonprofit management. Recognizing that learning is sparked by many points of entry, programming at Spertus also includes cultural and continuing education offerings, such as lectures, seminars, exhibits, concerts, and films.

Partnerships and collaborative relationships in the Jewish, academic, philanthropic, and cultural arenas further allow Spertus to serve as a portal for diverse learning opportunities.

The Institute cultivates an atmosphere of lively discourse. We often hear from students and participants that their experiences at Spertus are inspiring and even transformative. That is by design, because the Institute pursues cutting-edge best practice in everything it does. This results in meaningful, important opportunities for personal and professional growth for constituents and communities.

Our logo is a flame accompanied by the biblical phrase, yehi or, let there be light. It symbolizes commitment to education, culture, and community, today and for the future.