Ehemalige Synagoge Altenkunstadt

About the museum

The synagogue in Altenkunstadt's Judenhof was built in 1726 as a sandstone structure; the year of construction is recorded on the wedding stone on the facade, of which a replica now hangs next to the entrance. Its location in a small side alley off the main street followed the regulations of the time, which kept synagogues out of the town center. For two centuries the building was the center of a Jewish community that strongly shaped the town, especially in the 19th century.

In November 1938, SA men ransacked the interior and destroyed furnishings and ritual objects; the building itself remained standing and passed to the political municipality in 1939. About fifty years of other uses followed, first as quarters for prisoners of war, later for refugees and expellees, and finally as a storage depot of the waterworks.

From 1989 to 1993 the synagogue was thoroughly restored. In the process, a genizah came to light in the attic, the oldest item of which dates from the 16th century. Since 1993 the building has served as a memorial and commemoration site, museum, and cultural space for the community. On the former women's gallery, a permanent exhibition provides information on 700 years of Jewish life in the region.

Highlights

• Baroque synagogue building of 1726
• Wedding stone on the exterior facade
• Original ritual objects relating to the Jewish festival year
• Finds from the genizah
• Self-guided tour via QR code smart guide in German and English

Permanent exhibitions

• Geschichte der Juden am Obermain – The exhibition on the former women's gallery shows original ritual objects and gives an overview of 700 years of Jewish life in the region, of school, community administration, and business life. Personal belongings tell of the fate of Jewish families from Altenkunstadt.

Founded

1993

Operated by

Gemeinde Altenkunstadt

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The independent visit is free.

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 key must be picked up in advance at the town hall at Marktplatz 2.

Amenities & 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