Österreichisches Jüdisches Museum

About the museum

The association "Österreichisches Jüdisches Museum in Eisenstadt" was constituted in April 1972; its members are the nine federal provinces, the Republic, the Free City of Eisenstadt and the Israelitische Kultusgemeinde. The aim was a place of remembrance of Austrian Jewry before 1938 and a museum with a pan-Austrian perspective. It was the first Jewish museum to be established in Austria after 1945.

Since 1978 the museum has been housed in the Wertheimerhaus in the former Jewish quarter. The palais was built at the end of the 17th century by Samson Wertheimer, imperial chief court agent and chief rabbi of the province. His private synagogue survived the pogroms of 1938 and is regarded as the oldest synagogue in Austria preserved in its original function; after renovation it was reconsecrated in 1979 and is still used for services today. Eisenstadt was one of the "Seven Communities", whose residential buildings, two cemeteries and ghetto pillars with Shabbat chain have been largely preserved.

The present permanent exhibition has existed since 1992 and follows the Jewish festivals through the year as well as the stages of life. The objects come almost entirely from Burgenland and western Hungarian Jewry. Since 2019 the library of the eyewitness Rudolf Gelbard has been part of the museum, and annually changing special exhibitions take place on the ground floor.

Highlights

• Samson Wertheimer's private synagogue – the oldest synagogue in Austria preserved in its original function
• Installation with 755 original yahrzeit plaques
• Torah binder of the scholar Akiba Eger from 1761
• Table centrepiece for the Seder evening from 1774
• Location in the former Jewish quarter with two Jewish cemeteries

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung: Jüdisches Jahr und jüdisches Leben – Ritual objects from Burgenland and western Hungarian Jewry lead through the festivals of the year and the stages of life from birth to death.
• Privatsynagoge Samson Wertheimers – Synagogue of about 70 m² from around 1700 on the 1st floor, with the installation of 755 original yahrzeit plaques, still consecrated today.

Founded

1972

Operated by

Verein Österreichisches Jüdisches Museum in Eisenstadt

Director

Esther Heiss

Admission & discounts

Members of the Ö1 Club and Ö1 intro, together with one companion, receive a 40% discount. Free admission with the Burgenland Card.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers its own educational programmes for children; family ticket for 2 adults with up to 2 children.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A3.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Auditorium for over 90 people for a hall rental fee, unless used by the museum; the synagogue is available for services and Jewish festivals by advance booking.

Plan your visit