A Byzantine Revival and Art Nouveau masterpiece that survived Kristallnacht and bombing to become Germany’s most compelling Jewish museum.
At a glance
Built in 1913 and consecrated as the Neue Synagoge, this imposing structure stands at the heart of Essen as one of the finest testimonies to pre-war German-Jewish culture. Repurposed as a museum in 1960, it documents the history and memory of the city’s vanished Jewish community through carefully restored interiors and dedicated collections.
History
Designed in Byzantine Revival and Art Nouveau styles, the synagogue served Essen’s Reform Jewish congregation from its consecration in 1913 until the pogrom of Kristallnacht in November 1938. Though severely damaged in that assault, the building escaped the aerial bombardment that destroyed much of the city during World War II.
In 1960, the burnt-out interior was redesigned to house a Museum of Industrial Design. A second restoration in the 1980s reinstated the original architectural character, transforming the space into a memorial centre and museum. The adjacent Rabbinerhaus (House of the Rabbi) has housed the Salomon Ludwig Steinheim Institute since 2011, deepening the site’s role as a centre for Jewish scholarship.
What you see
The building’s facade showcases the elegance of Byzantine Revival and Art Nouveau design, marking it as architecturally exceptional among pre-war German synagogues. Its scale and presence dominate the surrounding urban landscape. The interior, restored in the 1980s, balances historical authenticity with contemporary museological practice, creating intimate spaces for reflection and learning.
Cultural significance
The Old Synagogue stands as one of Germany’s most important physical reminders of a vibrant Jewish culture erased by Nazi persecution. Its survival and restoration embody deliberate acts of remembrance and historical preservation. The building and its affiliated institute sustain scholarly research and public understanding of Essen’s Jewish past.
Key facts
- Country: Germany
- City: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia
- Coordinates: 51.456°N, 7.017°E
- Consecrated: 1913
- Repurposed as museum: 1960
- Major restoration: 1980s
- Architectural styles: Byzantine Revival, Art Nouveau
Practical information & getting there
The Old Synagogue is located at Steeler Straße 29 in central Essen. It functions as a museum dedicated to the city’s Jewish heritage. For current opening hours, admission fees, and guided tour availability, consult the museum’s official website or contact the Salomon Ludwig Steinheim Institute.
Sources & resources
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