Overview of the history of the Synagogue
Initially, Jews in St. Pölten held their service in a room of the former Gasser factory which had been fitted to that use. From 1885 till 1913 a building at Schulpromenade (today’s Dr. Karl Renner Promenade, west of the current location) was used as synagogue. From 1888 onwards, the Israelite Religious Community had been aiming at building a new house of prayer; on April 7th 1907, a "Temple Erection Association" was set up.
Start of construction was on June 20th 1912 in accordance with the design concept of the architects Theodor Schreier and Viktor Postelberg. On August 17th 1913, the eve of the emperor’s birthday, the new Synagogue was solemnly inaugurated.
After the November Pogrom 1938, the Synagogue was used as a furniture store. The National Socialists planned to pull down the building "at the expense of Jewish Capital", to renovate the cantor’s house and to assign it to a formation of the NSDAP. That is presumably the reason why the SA-Standarte 21 moved into the cantor’s house in May 1940. In 1942, the Synagogue was used as reception camp for "Russian civilians" who were then utilized as forced labourers. In 1945, air raids further damaged the building resulting in an additional deterioration of its condition.
After the end of World War II, the Synagogue was used as furniture store, granary and dovecot. The cupola was heavily damaged and some structural components were in danger of collapsing; broken windows let in rain and snow. Demolition plans in the late 1970ies resulted in the Federal Monuments Office putting a preservation order on the building.
From 1980 to 1984, the synagogue was renovated as faithfully as possible and now serves as a memorial and event space. The Kantorhaus has housed the Institute for Jewish History in Austria since 1988. This synagogue is the only one in Lower Austria apart from Baden/Vienna. After a necessary renovation and adaptation starting in Octeober 2022, the building is accessible on all levels since April 2024. The roof was renewed and the lighting and room technology were improved. The conversion into a modern center for exhibitions, cultural events and education was funded in equal parts by the federal government, the province of Lower Austria and the city of St. Pölten.
The Former Synagogue St. Pölten is now an institution of the NÖ Museum Betriebs GesmbH. The museum is open from mid-April to mid-November from Tue-Fri, 10.00-17.00 and Sat, Sun, Bank Holidays, 10.00-18.00. On display is a permanent presentation on the synagogue and its community, curated by Martha Keil and based on the research findings of the Injoest, as well as annual temporary exhibitions.
Further information on opening hours, educational offers and events can be found here: Former St. Pölten Synagogue