Munich celebrates: Old synagogue shines after extensive restoration!

Munich celebrates: Old synagogue shines after extensive restoration!

Today, September 15, 2025, the time has come: the old synagogue on Munich's Reichenbachstrasse is celebrating its ceremonial reopening. This Bauhaus synagogue, which was built in 1931 by architect Gustav Meyerstein in the New Objectivity style, finally shines again in the splendor of its historical origins after years of restoration work.

The ceremony in the evening will be particularly prominent, with high-ranking guests such as Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) and Munich's Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) expected. Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Jewish Community of Munich (IKG), will also be among the keynote speakers. Visitors can look forward to musical accompaniment from pianist Igor Levit. The architect's son Emanuel Meyerstein will also be present, which strengthens the emotional connection to the historical site.

History of the synagogue

The former Munich main synagogue played a central role in the city's Jewish religious life until 2006, when the new Munich main synagogue Ohel Jakob was opened on St.-Jakobs-Platz. Since then, the Reichenbachstrasse synagogue has stood empty and was exposed to decay. In this critical situation, Rachel Salamander founded the “Synagoge Reichenbachstraße e. V.” association in 2013, together with lawyer Ron Jakubowicz. Their goal was to preserve the building as an important testimony to Jewish history in Munich and to restore it to its original form. The symbolism of this restoration is great: it stands for the survival and revival of Jewish culture and history in Germany.

The restoration cost 12.6 million euros, with the city of Munich, the Free State of Bavaria and the federal government each providing 30 percent of the financing. The association is responsible for the remaining 10 percent, which was raised through private donations. This collective effort shows that the Jewish community and the city of Munich have a strong interest in bringing Jewish life back to this historic place.

Future prospects

With the reopening, the synagogue will serve not only for worship services, but also as a venue for religious celebrations such as weddings and bar (and bat) mitzvahs. In addition, educational and cultural activities will take place to keep Jewish culture and history alive and to bring it closer to a broader public. This emphasizes the important role of the synagogue as a cultural and historical center.

More and more people are recognizing the importance of Jewish architecture in Germany. Monument protection for such buildings is seen as essential for awareness of Jewish history. Dr. Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, emphasizes that restored Jewish buildings can create an important identity not only for current but also for future generations.

The reopening of the synagogue on Reichenbachstrasse is therefore more than just an event; it is a sign of reconstruction, hope and cultural renewal in a city that wants to face its history and at the same time look forward.

For more information you can read the reports Jewish general, the Reichenbach Synagogue, as well as statements about Jewish building culture Monuments Online read up.