By Marni Manko By Marni Manko | May 16, 2024 | People,
With two Philadelphia institutions named after him, the shoe designer and consummate philanthropist talks about why his mission became to save one of them.
Stuart Weitzman is a true fashion icon, having founded his eponymous shoe brand that enjoys A-list devotees ranging from Taylor Swift to Beyoncé. But here in Philly, his powerful reach goes well beyond footwear (well, unless you’re shopping at his King of Prussia store). As a philanthropist, Weitzman’s transformative 2021 donation to the National Museum of American Jewish History (theweitzman.org) gave new life to the institution. Here, in the midst of May, Jewish American Heritage Month, the Wharton graduate (who also has the Weitzman School of Design at Penn named after him), talks about why he’s made such investments in Philly, and what it all means to him.
You made a large gift to the National Museum of American Jewish History (now called the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History)—which Congress is currently considering becoming a part of the Smithsonian Institution. What compelled you to do so?
I’ve spent much time in Philadelphia, as I’ve continued my connection with Penn. The visits gave me the opportunity to get to know the Jewish Museum’s exhibitions quite well and appreciate how well they’re presented. As much as anything, I recognized that the location of the museum, right next to Independence Mall and the Liberty Bell, was too valuable to give up. To save it became my mission.
Now, more than ever, why is it crucial to have a museum, and a month, dedicated to the Jewish experience?
The Jewish community is being unjustifiably beaten up, so it’s incumbent upon us to tell our story—the great contributions we’ve made to America and the world, the proud heritage that has tied us together and the great success of Israel as a nation and a contributor to the prosperity of the world.
Why should someone who’s not Jewish visit The Weitzman?
America is a giant melting pot. We’re stronger because we bring together different lifestyles and cultures. This Museum tells one of those great stories. I learn from and appreciate when I read about the accomplishments of others here in America. I would expect that others would feel the same way by getting to know the American Jewish experience, which is told so well in this museum.
In your storied career, what do you see as your life’s biggest accomplishment?
After such a great percentage of my life dedicated to my career, away from my family, I have no greater accomplishment than knowing that the people who are supposed to love me, do.
Photography by: COURTESY OF STUART WEITZMAN