Museum Synagoge Gröbzig

About the museum

There are signs of Jewish life in Gröbzig as early as the 17th century; by the 18th century at the latest there was an active community, supported by the open settlement policy of the Anhalt princes and the town's proximity to trade-fair cities. At times its share of the town's population rose to over 15 percent. The present synagogue was consecrated in 1796; a cantor's house, a school, a gatehouse, and a carriage house were added later. In 1858 the synagogue was remodeled in line with liberal Judaism.

After many families had moved to larger cities, the community shrank. The buildings passed to the town, which set up a local history museum there in 1935; in the same year, the synagogue and cemetery were placed under monument protection. This is how the complex survived the November Pogrom of 1938. With the deportation of the last community members, Jewish life in Gröbzig ended in 1940.

After restoration beginning in 1984, the Museum Synagoge Gröbzig opened in 1988. After five years of renovation, it reopened in November 2024 with barrier-free access and a new, interactive permanent exhibition. Since January 1, 2026, the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district has been the sponsoring body; a museum association supports the work of the house.

Highlights

• Preserved synagogue complex with cantor's house, school, and gatehouse
• New interactive permanent exhibition since November 2024
• Original ritual objects of the community
• Exhibition on Jewish burial customs
• Area on the Hebrew and Yiddish languages

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung zu jüdischer Geschichte und Kultur – About 300 years of Jewish life in Gröbzig, plus burial customs, language, ritual objects, and the present day; a walk through the cantor's house, school building, and synagogue.

Founded

1988

Operated by

Landkreis Anhalt-Bitterfeld

Director

Anett Gottschalk

Admission & discounts

Free admission is also available to members of the museum association, the Museumsverband (museum federation), and ICOM, museum staff, and holders of the WelterbeCard.

Accessibility

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

The museum describes itself as low-barrier and can be reached by elevator; a visit accompanied by another person is strongly recommended.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The permanent exhibition is modern and interactive and is also aimed at children and young people; for school classes there are workshops on Jewish life and Jewish holidays.

Getting there & parking

Gröbzig is in the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district. By car via the A9 (exit Dessau-Ost, then via Dessau and Köthen), or from the A14 via the exits Löbejün or Könnern; from the northern Harz via the A36 to Bernburg and the A14 to Könnern, then another 8 km on the country road.

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