Jüdisches Museum Göppingen
Museum on the history of the Jews in Jebenhausen and Göppingen from 1777 to the postwar period, housed in the old village church.
About the museum
In the 19th century Jebenhausen, now a district of Göppingen, had one of the largest Jewish communities in Württemberg. It goes back to a letter of protection issued by the lords of Liebenstein in 1777. Around 1850 about 530 Jews lived in the village, with a synagogue, school, ritual bath, and cemetery. After legal equality in 1864, many moved to Göppingen or emigrated to America; in 1899 the last service took place in the Jebenhausen synagogue.
The museum was established on the initiative of the city of Göppingen and opened in 1992 in the village church, more than 500 years old, which the Protestant congregation had given up in 1966. The building itself tells of the coexistence of religions: after the synagogue closed, its gilded candelabras and pews came to the church as a gift, and coats of arms and tombs recall the von Liebenstein family.
After renovation, the museum reopened in January 2019 with a completely redesigned exhibition. In eight thematic areas it covers Jewish life and religious festivals, the Göppingen community and its rabbi Aron Tänzer, exclusion and persecution under National Socialism, deportation, flight and rescue, as well as legal reckoning and remembrance after 1945.
Highlights
- Former village church with candelabras and pews from the Jebenhausen synagogue
- Letter of protection of 1777 as the starting point of the Jewish community
- Rabbi Dr. Aron Tänzer and the Göppingen community
- Life paths of persecuted, deported, and rescued families
- Nearby Jewish cemetery (key at the museum)
Permanent exhibitions
- Die Geschichte der Juden in Jebenhausen und Göppingen – Exhibition redesigned in 2019 in eight thematic areas, from the letter of protection of 1777 through Jewish daily life and festival calendar to persecution, deportation, rescue, and remembrance.
- Founded
- 1992
- Operated by
- Stadt Göppingen (Archiv und Museen)
- Director
- Dominik Gerd Sieber
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and young people up to 18 years have free admission. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €1.50 per personPer person for adults in groups of 10 or more participants. |
Free admission also with the Göppingen Bonuscard.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the Jebenhausen district on Boller Straße; by car via the A8, exit Aichelberg/Göppingen. The Naturkundliches Museum (Boller Straße 102) is on the same street.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Book tours for groups and school classes (10–20 people) by email to museen@goeppingen.de; 60 minutes cost €40, 90 minutes €60. School classes and kindergarten groups from the district of Göppingen pay no tour fee. A walk to the sites of Jewish history in Jebenhausen is also offered, including the Jewish cemetery (Am Kreuzhaldenweg); its key is available during opening hours at the museum or at the Bezirksamt Jebenhausen (district office). |
