Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, referred to by laymen as the Jewish Museum, is sporting a -- well -- new everything.

Opened Nov. 30, the new 155,000-square-foot building -- designed by Krueck & Sexton Architects -- is located just north of the former facility and occupies one of the last available spaces on Michigan Avenue.

Unlike the existing, stodgy buildings that ignore the extraordinary views of the lake, Spertus sparkles like a diamond.

The soaring 10-story structure is a transparent facade built from 726 individual pieces of glass in 556 different shapes.

The unique design allows you to see inside the facility from the street and, from the bay-like windows inside, you can see the lake and north Michigan Avenue.

Not only is the building a sheer work of architectural art, it's environmentally sustainable.

The transparent glass facade "reveals the accessible and public nature of Spertus" extending a physical invitation for visitors to come inside and explore all the facility has to offer.

First up, the Feinberg Theater. The hall was specially designed for author readings, lectures, live performances and film. Built with state-of-the-art acoustics, tiered viewer-friendly seating and a proscenium stage -- the 400-seat theater is spacious yet intimate.

Don't just see it, experience it -- attend a performance.

Just outside sits the Spertus Cafe by Wolfgang Puck. Serving up tasty to-go style treats, this cafe is the only kosher eatery in Chicago's loop area. Kick back, read a book, gaze out at Grant Park and chow down on delicious Thai beef wraps, graze on a Caesar salad or indulge in some sushi.

The ninth floor storage and display area, deemed the depot, houses and displays more than 1,500 pieces from the museum's collection.

Created by Dr. Felicitas Heimann-Jelinek, Spertus Museum Senior Curator of Judaica and Chief Curator of the Jewish Museum of Vienna, the unique display examines "cross-cultural influences on the development of Jewish objects, as well as ethical and historical issues surrounding the acquisition and display of culturally sensitive collections."

Heimann-Jelinek's personal touch shouldn't be missed. Try and locate the contents of the hand-carved Noah's Ark perched throughout the display.

You can download the audio guide before you arrive or borrow an MP3 player on site to shepherd you through your tour.

Poised in a private corner across from the depot is a permanent display titled "Consider" by Indian artist Ranbir Kaleka. Upon viewing this compelling, open-ended Holocaust memorial, you'll realize that Spertus isn't your typical ethnic/Holocaust museum.

At this point you can't help but notice the direct sightline down into the Asher Library. Spertus is designed allowing visual access to other levels from several points -- again conveying openness and accessibility.

The new Asher Library features an expansive reading room with incredible views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan, free wireless Internet access throughout, computers for public use, electric mobile shelves for improved access to collections, custom audio/visual carrels for accessing videos and musical recordings, reading rooms for viewing material from the archives, rare book and map collections, and facilities to accommodate visiting conservators.

The library also houses the Chicago Jewish archives.

An exciting display of thought-provoking pieces flows over the 10th floor Changing Exhibition galleries. The exhibits change every four months, featuring contemporary artists both local and abroad.

"The exhibits are really two-fold. The first is axis to understanding the Jewish experience. The second is understanding religious/ethnic identity. So you have a focused and a broader purpose," said Betsy Gomberg, Director of Institutional Outreach.

Spertus draws more than just Jewish scholars.

"The same way you use film and art to learn about a culture that is not your own -- Spertus offers that to the public," Gomberg said. "These days everyone has a hyphenated identity, and in some way is touched by Judaism, be it through family members, neighbors or friends. This gives them the opportunity to explore that facet."

Don't forget to swing by the gift shop on your way out. Pick up a book and brush up on your Yiddish, or grab an item made in Israel.

If inviting and accessible was Spertus' intended goal, they hit the nail on the head. The building is an exquisite work of art while remaining comfy. This is a trip you don't want to miss.

Check the Spertus calendar of events for interesting offerings like the "Kafka and Kabbalah" minicourse, sounds like a metamorphosis to me. Classes are open to the public.

Spertus Museum

610 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 322-1700, spertus.edu

Admission: General $7; students and seniors $5; free for children younger than 5

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Check Web site for separate library, cafe and shop hours. Spertus is closed from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday for the Jewish Sabbath.

Parking: $10 with Spertus validation at The Essex Inn, 8th Street and Michigan Avenue

While you're there

To get a bite, you might try:

• Tamarind, 614 S. Wabash Ave., (312) 379-0970?

• Oysy Japanese Sushi Restaurant, 888 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 922-1127

• Artists' Restaurant, 412 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 939-7855

Nearby attractions:

• Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave. #116, (312) 922-3432 or architecture.org

• Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street, millenniumpark.org

• Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, fieldmuseum.org