The facade and remains of the New synagogue which was damaged in 1943 went under thorough reconstruction in 1988 when the interior was adapted to host the exhibition of newly created Centrum Judaicum, which maintains the building today. Part of the synagogue is also used for services by the local Jewish community.
the dome of Neue Synagoge in Berlin
At the moment of creation Neue Synagoge was the building with top modern technology of glass and steel.
The use of steel bars strengthtened the construction allowed to build an impressive room of prayer, which once accommodated around 3 200 believers.
The outer design richly ornamented with shaped bricks and terracotta, follows the Moorish style, as its architect Eduard Knoblauch has been clearly inspired by the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada.
The Synagogue was consecrated on Rosh ha-Shanah in 1866.
It was the second synagogue after the old one located on Heidereutergasse, hence became called the New one.
The growing strength of Nazi power brings the infamous Cristal Night ( Kristallnacht ) on Nov. 9-10, 1938 during which the synagogue has been desecrated and set aflame. The intervention of a local police saved the building from the whole destruction.
The synagogue had no similar luck in Nov 1943 when heavy Allied bombing destroyed the main room and most of the construction.
As soon as the Centrum Judaicum Foundation has been created in July 1988 it introduced the the plans of synagogue’s renovation, which has been carried on till 1995.
The front wall with the dome, two pavilions and several rooms which remained after the war, were brought to the shape from the end of 19th century. The destroyed part has been replaced by the new rooms connected to the old construction. The stell and glass inside cover the fragments of old, preserved walls of the former synagogue.
Today the building hosts the permanent exhibition of history of Jewish community in Berlin.
Stiftung Neue Synagoge – Centrum Judaicum
Oranienburger Str 28/30
10117 Berlin (Karte)
http://www.centrumjudaicum.de
Opening Hours
10.00 – 18.00
Fri 10.00 – 14.00 ( Oct – Mar ) 10.00 – 17.00 ( Apr – Sep )
Closed on Saturdays and Jewish high holidays.
[photo courtesy of riotcitygirl]
