New Synagogue Berlin

New Synagogue Berlin
New Synagogue Berlin cc licensed photo by Ben Hurwitz

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 – 3:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 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 4 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The New Synagogue Berlin should not be missed. A visit to this site is a strong reminder of the hate of yesterday and the continued hate today that one may experience. The visit is full of joy in what has been restored and disappointment in knowing what was not restored. The strange thing is the reliance on photography to remind us of the past contrasted with the restriction of no photography allowed within the Synagogue during your visit. The irony is striking.
Jeffrey Kraskin - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating Just been there for this beautiful building because I’m in love nice architecture and it has awesome details same like Natural History Museum in London. A lot of history and info inside.
win task - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Very interesting exhibition inside, lots of information. Heavy heart. I'm glad I was able to show my 10 year old the Synagogue and the history.
Anja Moore - 6 months ago

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4 Star Rating A beautiful, must see place in Berlin, both powerfull and tragic. Historically and architecturally important.
Andrea Crvena - 4 months ago

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4 Star Rating A really interesting history and partial restoration of a building that was almost completely destroyed during the war. I don’t understand the negative comments in these reviews. The information about the building and its people is so enlightening. It’s not meant to be about an amazing Synagogue that is open for all to see the splendour of it all. The staff was very helpful when we ran out of time and had to return after our next booking. The only negative point was the attendant who doggedly kept walking around us when it was about half an hour till closing time; he obviously wanted us to leave so he could go home. We wanted to watch several more of the really interesting videos in the theatre, but we felt unwelcome and rushed; so we left well before we had to.
Portpad Traveller - a month ago

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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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