Synagogue in Ostrów Wielkopolski
The delightful synagogue in Ostrów Wielkopolski has been successfully brought to life. By organizing the town’s cultural life, it has become its showpiece. Built between 1857 and 1860, the synagogue was designed in the Moorish style by Moritz Lande. It is one of the most valuable examples of Jewish religious architecture in Poland, modelled on Prussia’s splendid synagogues in Berlin, Cologne, Leipzig and Dresden. Their architects drew upon Oriental forms to emphasize the Eastern origins of the Jewish community. Another source of their inspiration was the biblical descriptions of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem.
Fortunately, the synagogue in Ostrów Wielkopolski did not share the fate of other Jewish buildings, demolished by the Nazis. It survived as it was converted into a food store due to the unique microclimate inside. After the war, it served as a furniture warehouse for some time and later the synagogue was opened only occasionally.
Painstakingly restored, it is now the pride and joy of the town. The synagogue regained its proper architectural form with spectacular lighting emphasizing the beauty of the structure and the artistic value of the architectural details on it.
The interior of the old synagogue was adapted for cultural purposes as the Synagogue Forum. This includes a concert hall for about 150 people and an exhibition area arranged in the galleries running along the walls. In addition to concerts and art exhibitions, the venue is also used for theatre performances, academic conferences, meetings with authors, competitions, lectures, historical lessons and many other cultural events.
The renovation and adaptation of this precious building were possible thanks to financial support from the European Union. In the 5th contest Poland Even More Beautiful. Seven Miracles of EU Funds, the project was nominated for an award in the Historic Monument category.
Your project description
To add a photo, description, specify a location or attach other materials about the project, you should fill out the form below. After clicking the “send” button, a message will be sent to you e-mail asking for confirmation. You must accept to submit the form. The EU Dot Map Guidelines and consent to the processing of personal data. materials will be sent to the editor of the site, who will publish it on the website after verification test.