New Synagogue (Berlin)

New Synagogue on Oranienburger Straße in Berlin-Mitte is a 19th-century synagogue notable for its Moorish-style design and gilded dome. It opened in 1866 and is one of the city’s principal historic Jewish buildings.

The building’s most prominent feature is the restored domed sanctuary with Islamic-influenced decoration and a richly appointed interior. There is an exhibition area that presents the synagogue’s history, Jewish life in Berlin, and the building’s wartime damage and restoration.

Originally constructed as a large urban synagogue in the 19th century, it was badly damaged during the Nazi era and World War II. Restoration work in the late 20th century returned parts of the facade and the main prayer hall to use; the site now functions as both a place of worship and a cultural-historic venue.

The synagogue sits on Oranienburger Straße in the central Mitte district, within walking distance of museums and other historic sites in central Berlin.

• Viewing and tours: Oranienburger Straße provides the best street-level views of the ornate facade and the gilded dome; a small number of guided tours explain the building's architecture and history.

What to See #

• Main prayer hall: The restored main sanctuary retains the building's Moorish-style interior and the gilded dome that gives the synagogue its distinctive skyline presence; the sanctuary was the primary prayer space when the building opened in the 19th century.
• Exhibition and visitor facilities: A museum and visitor area interpret the history of the building and Jewish life in Berlin, with exhibits on the synagogue's construction, wartime damage, and later restoration.