Velká synagoga

About the museum

The Great Synagogue in Plzeň is the third largest building of its kind in Europe and the fifth in the world, and at the same time the largest synagogue in the Czech Republic; according to sources it could hold up to 2,500 people. The monumental building in pseudo-Romanesque style with Moorish elements was completed in 1893. It was originally to be built in the neo-Gothic style to designs by the Vienna architect Fleischer, but the design was changed: the towers were lowered by 20 metres so that the building would not overshadow the Plzeň cathedral, or also because there was not enough money.

The synagogue bears witness to the rich Jewish community of Plzeň, which the Nazis decimated during the Second World War. During the war it served no religious purpose: it was used as a store for confiscated Jewish property and later as a workshop for repairing uniforms. The Nazis used the towers as fortified positions for their garrison, which is what saved the building.

In 2019–2022 the synagogue and the adjoining rabbi’s house underwent extensive reconstruction, and a new entrance was created from Palackého třída. It was reopened on 20 April 2022. On the upper galleries there is a new permanent exhibition, Tady žili Židé. The synagogue also serves as a concert and exhibition hall, and the Jewish community holds services there.

Highlights

• The largest synagogue in the Czech Republic, completed in 1893
• Pseudo-Romanesque style with Moorish elements
• Permanent exhibition Tady žili Židé on the upper galleries
• Interior tour, the rabbi’s house and a climb up the tower with guided commentary
• Outstanding acoustics; the synagogue also serves as a concert hall

Permanent exhibition

• Tady žili Židé – Permanent exhibition on the upper galleries of the Great Synagogue about the life and fate of the Jews of Plzeň.

Operated by

Židovská obec Plzeň

Admission & discounts

Supervising teachers, guides and companions of wheelchair users enter free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The website did not offer an overview of the synagogue’s accessibility at the time of verification.

Kids & families

Children under 10 enter free; a family discount is available.

Getting there & parking

Entrance through the rear entrance from Palackého Street.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit