Torah Animal World
📍 Brooklyn, NY
Private museum in a Brooklyn brownstone featuring taxidermied animals organised by Torah themes — Animals of the Torah, Birds of the Torah, Animals of the Mishna — plus ancient objects. Tours are personally led by Rabbi Deutsch. Appointment required.
Torah Animal World is an absolute one of a kind experience, for lovers of unique museums, taxidermy, or the natural world. Rabbi Deutsch is a remarkable individual with many fascinating stories to tell and a breadth of knowledge to share, and he gives the tours personally. You are allowed to touch and examine all the specimens in his collection - as a result of children handling them, some of them are not in the best of shape, but there is also nowhere in the world where you could touch so many of these furs, feathers and hides. Kindly note that this museum is in a private home, and is run by people of faith! You need to call to make an appointment (I was able to do this same-day) and will need to wait outside for them to buzz you in. The museum requires the use of stairs. Pay in advance online, or bring cash.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families — particularly Jewish families — with school-age children curious about natural history and Torah stories. Rabbi Deutsch's personal, interactive tours create a genuinely memorable experience. Children aged 3+ who can handle stairs and engage respectfully in a private home setting will get the most from the visit.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →22 Google reviews
Lynae Zebest
3 years ago
“Torah Animal World is an absolute one of a kind experience, for lovers of unique museums, taxidermy, or the natural world. Rabbi Deutsch is a remarkable individual with many fascinating stories to tell and a breadth of knowledge to share, and he gives the tours personally. You are allowed to touch and examine all the specimens in his collection - as a result of children handling them, some of them are not in the best of shape, but there is also nowhere in the world where you could touch so many of these furs, feathers and hides. Kindly note that this museum is in a private home, and is run by people of faith! You need to call to make an appointment (I was able to do this same-day) and will need to wait outside for them to buzz you in. The museum requires the use of stairs. Pay in advance online, or bring cash.”
David Millstein
7 years ago
“This was a great experience. The Rabbi takes you on a personal tour through the floors of the brownstone, each filled with dozens upon dozens of taxidermied animals. He has anecdotes from his own life and the Talmud that he shares, and is open to any and all questions you might have. This is a unique place suitable to children and adults alike, from all walks of life -- so long as you remember that this is a very observant community and someone's home and to show te according respect, you will have a great great experience here!”
ND Freedman
7 months ago
“I love Torah I love animals and I love the world so what's better than Torah animal world? I went to the animal section twice and never to the ancient objects section. Highly recommended.”
Clara Hirsch
10 months ago
“Thank you to Rabbi Deutsch, so generous with his time and treasures. Absolutely recommend, but make sure to call ahead!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Torah Animal World occupies multiple floors of Rabbi Deutsch's Brooklyn brownstone, with rooms organised by Torah and Talmudic themes. Every taxidermied specimen can be touched. The Rabbi leads all tours personally, sharing anecdotes from the Talmud and his own life. An ancient objects section complements the animal exhibits. Same-day bookings are often possible by phone. Stairs throughout the brownstone.
