Old Synagogue of Kecskemét
Bács-Kiskun
The Old Synagogue of Kecskemét, located in central Hungary's Bács-Kiskun county, is a significant historical and architectural landmark originally built between 1864 and 1868. Designed by János Zitterbarth, the building features a blend of Moorish and Romantic architectural styles, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Jewish community in Kecskemét. Initially serving the local Neolog Jewish congregation, the synagogue had a seating capacity of 600, a testament to the once-thriving Jewish population in the city. The interior was elaborately decorated, including cast-iron columns and painted ceilings, although these features are now visible only in old photographs. After the 1911 earthquake, the original onion-shaped dome was replaced by a lotus-bud shaped dome designed by Lipót Baumhorn. During World War II, the synagogue was repurposed as a stable by SS officers, and the Jewish community suffered devastating losses during the Holocaust. The building ceased religious functions and was acquired by the city in 1966. It was transformed into a cultural and conference center by architects József Kerényi and Lajos Udvardi in 1974. Today, it houses permanent exhibitions, including plaster copies of 15 Michelangelo sculptures, and serves as a venue for concerts and local organizations, preserving the memory and cultural significance of Kecskemét's Jewish heritage.
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Tip: Visitors should consider attending cultural events or exhibitions held in the building to experience its current vibrant role. The best time to visit is during local festivals or scheduled concerts. Booking tickets in advance for special exhibitions or events is recommended. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The building is centrally located in Kecskemét, making it accessible by public transport.
Interesting facts
- •The synagogue originally featured cast-iron columns and a richly painted ceiling, now only visible in historical photographs.
- •The 1911 earthquake caused the original onion-shaped dome to tilt, necessitating its replacement with a lotus-bud shaped dome.
- •During World War II, the building was used as a stable by SS officers, marking a dark period in its history.
- •Today, the building houses plaster copies of 15 Michelangelo sculptures as a permanent exhibition.
- •The synagogue is an example of Neolog Jewish architecture, blending Moorish and Romantic styles.
History
The Jewish community first settled in Kecskemét in 1746, growing rapidly to over a thousand members.
Initially, they worshiped in a converted residential building before constructing their first synagogue.
The growing community, led by Chief Rabbi Simon Henrik Fischmann, commissioned the current synagogue building between 1864 and 1868.
The 1911 earthquake damaged the original dome, which was replaced by a lotus-bud shaped dome designed by Lipót Baumhorn during renovations.
During World War II, the synagogue was desecrated and used as a stable by SS troops.
After the war, the Jewish population drastically declined due to deportations and atrocities.
The city purchased the building in 1966 and repurposed it as a cultural center in 1974, preserving its architectural heritage while adapting it for new uses.
Place Guide
Main Hall1864-1868
The central prayer hall originally accommodated 600 worshippers and featured elaborate interior decoration including cast-iron columns and painted ceilings, reflecting the synagogue's architectural grandeur.
Dome1911 renovation
The synagogue's dome was initially onion-shaped but was replaced after the 1911 earthquake with a lotus-bud shaped dome designed by renowned architect Lipót Baumhorn.
Permanent Michelangelo Sculpture Exhibitionpost-1974
A collection of 15 plaster copies of Michelangelo's sculptures is displayed permanently, highlighting the building's cultural transformation from a religious to an artistic venue.