Publication

Revitalization of the Renaissance Synagogue in Zamość

The Renaissance synagogue in the Zamość Old City is one of the most spectacular monuments of Jewish heritage in Poland. The Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage has been the owner of the building since 2005. Our goal is to transform the synagogue into a modern cultural institution serving Jewish visitors to Zamość as well as the local community. Due to several years of neglect the synagogue was in very bad technical condition when it was taken over by the Foundation in 2005. The Foundation immediately carried out crucial renovations and secured the historical structure. We also developed a revitalization scheme for the building and launched efforts to acquire the necessary funds. Since 2008, the project “Revitalization of the Renaissance synagogue in Zamość for the needs of the Chassidic Route and the local community” is supported by a grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. Construction and conservation works were started in July 2009 and will be completed by October 2010. In 2011, the Chassidic Route tourist and cultural information center as well as a multimedia museum dedicated to the history of the Jews of Zamość and the surrounding area will be established within the renovated synagogue. Visitors will be able to learn about Jewish figures who contributed to shaping of the region’s intellectual, religious and cultural character. A part of the building area will also be adapted for the needs of local NGOs. Following the completion of renovation works the synagogue will serve as a venue for educational activities and cultural events designed with both the inhabitants of Zamość and tourists traveling along the Chassidic Route in mind. Tese activities will also involve our local partners: the Artistic Exhibitions Agency – the Zamość Gallery, the Bernardo Morando Fine Arts High School, the Karol Namysłowski Symphonic Orchestra, the Zamość University of Management and Administration and the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin as well as our Norwegian partner, the Jewish Community of Trondheim. The synagogue will also be available for religious services.

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