Synagoge Bourtange
Small museum in the 1842 synagogue in the fortress of Bourtange with photos and objects on Jewish life in the north-east of the Netherlands.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The synagogue was built in 1842 in the fortress town of Bourtange, after the town's Jewish community had previously gathered in a private house. It served as a house of prayer and place of learning until the community was largely deported and murdered in the Second World War; only a few survivors returned. After the war the building was no longer used as a place of worship.
The Bourtange Fortress Foundation acquired the building in the late 1960s and had it renovated. After a further restoration it opened on 3 April 1989 as a synagogue museum. Since 1990 the Association of Friends of the Bourtange Synagogue has looked after the building and its contents and occasionally organises celebrations, lectures and exhibitions.
The association later extended the museum: between 2000 and 2014 a reconstructed mikveh (ritual bath) and an adjacent historic house providing additional exhibition space were added. Today the synagogue is regarded as the only well-preserved synagogue along the Dutch-German border and commemorates the vanished Jewish life in the north-east of the Netherlands.
Highlights
- Well-preserved synagogue from 1842 in the fortress of Bourtange
- Photos and objects on the Jewish history of Bourtange
- Reconstructed mikveh (ritual bath)
- Memorial plaque for the deported and murdered Jews of the town
- Celebrations such as Hanukkah and Passover held by the friends' association
Permanent exhibition
- Synagogenmuseum Bourtange – Photos and historical objects tell of Bourtange's Jewish community and the vanished Jewish life in the north-east of the Netherlands; the synagogue itself and a reconstructed mikveh are part of the display.
- Operated by
- Vereniging van Vrienden der Synagoge Bourtange
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €11 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €6Children aged 6 to 11 pay €6; price according to the Bourtange Fortress ticket. |
| Families | €32Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children aged 6–11), according to Bourtange Fortress cash only at the entrance. |
Access is via the Bourtange Fortress ticket, which includes admission to the fortress and all museums. Not valid with the Museumkaart or VriendenLoterij. Association members (from €15 a year) have free museum admission.
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
Dogs are not allowed in the fortress museums, except recognised assistance dogs. The fortress lends wheelchairs/rollators (€5, deposit €20); there are accessible toilets in the fortress.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus line 72 connects Winschoten and Emmen stations with Bourtange; from Ter Apel or Vlagtwedde, Hub taxi on reservation (0800 402 01 02).
By car
Free parking
Free visitor car park of Bourtange Fortress at Willem Lodewijkstraat 33 (charging stations for electric cars, no overnight stays).
The synagogue is located inside Bourtange Fortress (Batterijenstraat); the visitor centre is at Willem Lodewijkstraat 33.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Photography | Photography and filming are not permitted at events held by the association. |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Male visitors can obtain kippot (head coverings) at the entrance. |
