Synagoge Ansbach

About the museum

The synagogue in Ansbach's old town was built from 1744 to 1746 to plans by the margravial court architect Leopoldo Retti. The margrave had permitted the Jewish community to build, but demanded that the house of prayer should not be recognizable as such from the outside. Thus behind the restrained facade with tall round-arched windows lies an interior with Baroque furnishings, including the almemor and the Torah ark from the time of construction. The complex also includes a courtyard with a wedding stone, the former servants' house, and a ritual bath that was moved in the 1860s into the former shochet's house.

During the November pogrom of 1938 the synagogue was desecrated; a fire that was set was quickly extinguished, so the building was preserved. During the war it served as a storage space. After 1945, American soldiers and displaced persons still used the room as a house of worship for some years. Because no new Jewish community formed in Ansbach, the synagogue was declared a museum house of worship in 1964.

Today the Ansbach group of the Frankenbund (regional heritage association) looks after the complex on a voluntary basis. In the former servants' house it runs an information center with objects and information on the history of the Jewish community and on Judaism. The synagogue is also the site of the annual commemoration for the November pogrom.

Highlights

• Baroque synagogue hall by Leopoldo Retti with Torah ark and almemor
• Ritual bath (mikveh) in the former shochet's house
• Wedding stone (chuppah stone) in the inner courtyard
• Dienerhaus information center on Ansbach's Jewish community

Permanent exhibitions

• Infozentrum Dienerhaus – In the former servants' house next to the synagogue, the Frankenbund presents objects and information on Ansbach's Jewish community and on Judaism in general.

Founded

1964

Operated by

Frankenbund e.V. – Gruppe Ansbach

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Day of Open Monuments

Contribution of €2 per person on Sunday openings.

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 synagogue is in the pedestrian zone of the old town; access by car is not possible.

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