New Synagogue · Audio guide
Listen to the story of New Synagogue
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Story
The night the Nazis burned synagogues all over Germany, a policeman showed up here with his gun. What he did, no one expected.
This golden dome disappeared for decades. When it returned, Berlin was already a different city. But the synagogue never regained what it had inside.
The New Synagogue has a story of destruction and courage. Join me at its facade and I'll tell you the whole story.
Visiting New Synagogue
- How to get there
- The closest stop is Oranienburger Straße (metro/train), 92 meters away. Alternatively, you can use S Oranienburger Straße (tram), 131 meters away, or Monbijouplatz (tram), 222 meters away.
- Entry and price
- Entry is not free. The adult price is 7.
- Opening hours
- Apr-Sep: Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00; Sun 10:00-19:00; Oct-Mar: Sun-Thu 10:00-18:00; Fri 10:00-15:00.
Frequently asked questions
What is the architectural style of the New Synagogue?
The New Synagogue is designed in the Mudéjar Renaissance style, inspired by the Alhambra of Granada. It features polychrome bricks, horseshoe arches, and a central dome with golden ribs.
What significant event happened here during Kristallnacht?
During Kristallnacht, a Nazi mob entered the New Synagogue, destroyed Torah scrolls, and set fire to the furniture. The building was saved from complete destruction by an officer who declared it a protected monument and allowed firefighters to extinguish the fire.
What remains of the original building today?
Today, only the front section of the New Synagogue survives, including the façade, entrance, dome, and some rooms behind it. The main prayer hall, which could hold 3,000 people, was demolished in 1958.
What can I see inside the New Synagogue now?
The New Synagogue now serves as a memorial and museum, not a functioning synagogue. Visitors can see the restored golden dome and the open courtyard where the main hall once stood, symbolizing the absence and memory of what was lost.
What was the New Synagogue used for during World War II?
After Kristallnacht, the building was confiscated by the Nazi regime and used as a warehouse by the Wehrmacht. It was severely damaged during a bombing raid in November 1943.
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