Old Essen Synagogue
A house of Jewish culture
Old Essen Synagogue / Design: wbp Landschaftsarchitekten Ingenieure, Bochum
The former Essen synagogue, completed in 1913 by master builder Edmund Körner on behalf of the Jewish community, is the only free-standing major synagogue structure to have survived - at least externally - the Second World War. Today, it constitutes a unique cultural and architectural monument.
The future House of Jewish Culture is, however, presented not as a museum and historical site but rather as a meeting place where people can come into contact with Jewish culture and the Jewish way of life. Jews are frequently reduced to the role of victims of the Nazi period and Jewish culture is often seen solely in the light of a religious community. The Old Synagogue will, however, provide new access.
With the aid of the architecture and exhibition areas, the historic building will shed light on questions relating to Jewish identities and lifestyles. In order to widen the view, various aspects of Jewish culture are not only exhibited but also rendered emotionally tangible by five exhibition sections, including rooms within the building that were previously not accessible for the public. The five themed areas are dedicated to different aspects of Jewish life. In the "Sources of Jewish Tradition" section, visitors are provided with information on Jewish history, the calendar, and questions relating to the synagogue and the Jewish religion. The section "History and Stories of the Synagogue" describes the changing fortunes of the building from 1913 until the present day. These are documented and explained through the medium of numerous photographs and a number of exhibits. The "Jewish Way of Life" zone reveals every-day Jewish culture as it survives today, depicting mores, customs and styles of living through various media including clothing and music. Significant Jewish festivals are prominent in the annual calendar and in the lives of the people, and these are also explained to the visitor.
The "History of the Jewish Community in Essen" is told on the basis of personal items and artefacts belonging to former Essen Jews. Numerous documents provide an insight into the community's history from the 19th century to 1959.
The project encompasses cultural programmes and events of various kinds. There are also facilities such as teaching houses for children and young people. Individual tours with audio guides are available, as are guided group tours.
from July 14, 2010
Alte Synagoge Essen
Tue - Sun 10:00 - 18:00
Admission free
The conversion of the Old Essen Synagogue into a "House of Jewish Culture" is a project sponsored by the City of Essen. However, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and numerous other sponsors have made vital contributions, without which the project would never have got off the ground.
You can find further information (in German) at:
www.alte-synagoge.essen.de