New Synagogue Berlin
Construction of the Neue Synagogue took place between 1859 and 1866. The design was by Eduard Knoblauch designed the synagogue, but he took ill before it was complete. One of Berlin's prominent architects, Friedrich August Stuler took over and saw the project to its completion.
Today the gleaming golden dome atop the Neue Synagogue is a prominent Berlin landmark.
The Neue Synagogue Berlin was such a beautiful historic building, that even when it was set on fire on the night of November 9th, 1938, a night when synagoges throughout Germany were being torched, the head of the police precinct, Wilhelm Krützfeld, was not about to stand by and let this historical building be destroyed. He withdrew his side arm and ordered the mob to disperse so the fire brigade could put the fire out.
Unfortunately the bombing that followed later in World War II all but destroyed the Neue Synagogue. Because it was a safety hazard, City officials had the main hall leveled in 1958. This left just the front facade standing as a memorial and reminder against fascism and war.
In 1988 a foundation was established to restore the facade and the dome. Restoration began in 1991 and it reopened to the public as "Centrum Judaicum" ("Jewish Center") complete with a museum in 1995. The larger main hall located behind the restored building was not restored, but stones were set in the ground outlining its immense size and providing a reference to the destruction that too place.
The permanent exhibition called "Open ye the Gates" documents the history of the building and the lives of those associated with it.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: There is a small fee to attend the museum and go inside the dome.Stiftung Neue Synagoge Berlin - Centrum Judaicum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Address: Oranienburger Str. 28-30, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 88028300
Official Website: Stiftung Neue Synagoge Berlin - Centrum Judaicum
Stiftung Neue Synagoge Berlin - Centrum Judaicum Reviews
Rated out of 5
I was walking by and decided to go in. A guy at the front desk said that on the second floor, you can research your ancestors' history if they came from Germany. There is a video of a woman talking about her photographer father who wasn't deported. She and her family were able to stay in Berlin. There are also objects and stories about people who were killed. They have the same kind of security that you see in airports and some Holocaust museums in the USA. Police stand outside to guard the place, and it's also illegal to tear down posters of the hostages. There are candles and items in front of the posters and protective fences.
Margaret Larkin - 3 weeks ago
The Jewish center and the new Synagoge Berlin plays a significant role in the history of the city. They don't build synagogues like that anymore so, I recommend visiting. A small historical plus cultural exhibition inside, the reform synagogue functions as a museum and cultural center alike. Services and other events take place regularly, and you can even rent it for private events, forums, official events etc. Don't miss the hummus nearby. An Oriental restaurant with a really nice atmosphere inside is the synagogues next door neighbor.
Roy Barak - a month ago
A historic place. I did not go inside the Synagogue. I was attending a street food festival there. The food and the music was really good.
Tapas Kanti Baul - 2 months ago
The story of the largest synagogue in Berlin was almost destroyed and burned down. Even though the dome was destroyed, all the structure was kept intact.
Jun Herrera - 4 months ago
A stunning and historically rich landmark in the heart of Berlin. The golden dome of the Neue Synagoge is one of the city’s most striking sights, and its story is just as powerful as its architecture.
Originally opened in 1866, it was one of the largest and most magnificent synagogues in Europe. Though severely damaged during Kristallnacht and WWII, part of the building was restored and now serves as a museum and cultural center.
One fascinating detail: in 1938, a German police officer defied the Nazis and prevented the synagogue from being completely destroyed by fire—a rare and courageous act at the time. His actions are remembered as a small spark of humanity in a dark era.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits on Jewish life in Berlin, as well as remnants of the original structure. It’s not just beautiful—it’s meaningful.
César Fernández - 5 months ago
Directions
How to get to Stiftung Neue Synagoge Berlin - Centrum Judaicum by U-Bahn, S-Bahn or Tram
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or Tram Line(s): S1, S2, S25, M1, M5, U6
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or Tram Station(s): Berlin Oranienburger Straße, Oranienburger Tor
From Oranienburger Tor on the U-Bahn, exit to the north and go walk right (toward the Fernsehturm TV Tower) along Oranienburger Straße the New Synagogue Berlin is about a 6 minute walk.
From Berlin Oranienburger Straße on the S-Bahn or Tram, the New Synagogue Berlin is just to your east on Oranienburger Straße.
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Photo Credit: CarlosPacheco - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: CarlosPacheco - cc license via Flickr
