New Synagogue Berlin – Jewish Community Tour

Q: Is the dome of the New Synagogue Berlin made of real gold?

The dome is covered in gold-colored sheets, not solid gold. It replicates the 19th-century design to highlight the historical and cultural significance of the synagogue.

Q: What is the full route of the Jewish Community Tour?

The route includes the German Resistance Memorial, Anhalter Bahnhof, the New Synagogue Berlin, and the Otto Weidt Workshop. It includes transport and guided segments at each station.

Q: When does the Jewish community pray at the New Synagogue?

Shabbat services are held on Friday evenings and during Jewish holidays. Attendance is possible with prior registration due to security regulations.

Q: How many members belong to the New Synagogue's congregation?

The synagogue has about 300 members and is part of the wider Jewish Community of Berlin, which counts over 10,000 members.

The New Synagogue Berlin – Jewish Community Tour invites you to explore one of the city’s most iconic Jewish landmarks. Discover the rich history, cultural resilience, and architectural beauty of this historic site in the heart of Berlin.

Nazi Berlin and the Jewish Community Tour

Join a guided walk through Berlin’s historic Jewish quarter and the former Nazi headquarters. This in-depth tour explores traces of Jewish life, stories of resistance, and the legacy of persecution under the Third Reich.

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Architecture & Historical Background

The New Synagogue Berlin, inaugurated in 1866, once served as the main synagogue for the city’s thriving Jewish community. Designed by Eduard Knoblauch and completed by Friedrich August Stüler, it was inspired by Moorish architectural elements – especially those of the Alhambra in Granada.

Its golden dome, oriental-style façade, and elaborate interior reflected the confidence of Jewish emancipation in the 19th century. The building was partially destroyed during Kristallnacht in 1938 and further damaged in World War II bombings.

Today, the restored front section serves as a museum and a place of remembrance, while the dome remains one of the most iconic symbols of Jewish heritage in Berlin.

Did you know?

The golden dome of the New Synagogue once stood as a shining symbol of Jewish life in Berlin. Inaugurated in 1866, it was Germany’s largest synagogue at the time, with over 3,000 seats. During the Nazi pogrom of 1938, a brave police officer managed to stop it from being completely destroyed. Today, the partially reconstructed building serves as both a memorial and a testament to the resilience of Jewish heritage.

Opening Hours & Admission

Day	Opening Hours
Monday	Closed
Tuesday – Sunday	10:00 – 18:00

Admission Prices:

Adults: €8
Reduced: €5 (students, seniors)
Children under 6: free
Family ticket: €15

Check official website for current ticket info

Map: New Synagogue Berlin & Nearby Highlights

Discover the historical Jewish quarter of Berlin – including the iconic New Synagogue and several nearby landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions: New Synagogue Berlin

Is the dome of the New Synagogue Berlin made of real gold?

The dome of the New Synagogue is covered in gold-colored sheets, not solid gold. However, it was meticulously reconstructed to resemble the original 19th-century design, symbolizing the visibility and presence of Jewish life in Berlin.

What is the full route of the Jewish Community Tour?

The tour includes several key sites: the German Resistance Memorial Center, Anhalter Bahnhof, the New Synagogue Berlin, and the Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind. The route is partly done by bus and train, with guided tours at each station.

When does the Jewish community pray at the New Synagogue?

The active congregation “Oranienburger Straße” holds services on Friday evenings and during Jewish holidays. Regular Shabbat prayers are open to the public, but advance registration may be required for security reasons.

How many members belong to the New Synagogue’s congregation?

The congregation has around 300 active members and is part of the larger Jewish Community of Berlin, which numbers over 10,000. The New Synagogue functions both as a place of worship and a cultural landmark.

Jewish Life Today in Berlin

Beyond its historical significance, the New Synagogue stands as a symbol of Jewish life returning to the heart of Berlin. With more than 10,000 active community members, Berlin is now home to Germany’s largest Jewish population. Visitors may notice events, lectures, or cultural activities hosted by the Centrum Judaicum and other community centers throughout the city. From kosher cafés to Jewish film festivals, Berlin’s vibrant Jewish life is once again flourishing.

Architecture & Symbolism

The New Synagogue Berlin was built in the Moorish Revival style, inspired by Islamic architecture of medieval Spain. Its richly ornamented façade and oriental motifs reflect both cultural openness and Jewish heritage.

The most iconic element is the golden dome, which glistens above the Oranienburger Straße. While not made of solid gold, it serves as a visible sign of Jewish perseverance and return to public life in Berlin.

The building integrates Jewish symbols and Hebrew inscriptions into its structure, including the verse “Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter.”

Through its architecture, the synagogue bridges tradition and modernity, memory and future. The dome today stands not just as an architectural highlight, but also as a symbol of hope.