The amazing Holy Union Temple synagogue was constructed in 1836, this building has served as a museum of Jewish history since 1978. A number of separate exhibitions display how the once vibrant Jewish community of Bucharest used to live, while there is also an impressive Jewish liturgical collection, most of which was assembled by Moses Rosen, Romania's chief rabbi from 1964-94 who founded the museum. The considerable Jewish contribution to Romanian culture is also well covered, although it could be argued that the biggest attraction is the building itself: the interior - split over three levels with two ornate galleries - is richly decorated from floor to ceiling. Note that repairs and renovations on the building are currently being carried out, with the exhibitions moved temporarily to Great Polish Synagogue.
Metro
Piata Unirii
Open
Open 10:00 - 14:00, Fri, Sun 10:00 - 13:00. Closed Sat.
Price/Additional Info
Admission free.
Comments
17.04.2012
Steve
Having been turned away today from here and the Peoples Palace for the want of identity I suggest tourists to Bucharest have their passports on them at all times!
11.07.2011
philip windsor
I was able to visit this synagogue turned museum without difficulty or ID a couple of years ago as the only visitor on a Sunday morning. The lady guide who spoke excellent English was very welcoming and informative about what remains of the Jewish community today. In many ways it was sad to see this beautiful synagogue stripped of its seating and bimah and ark but still architecturallyimposing but of course no longer used for worship.The only other (functioning) synagogue was closed for refurbishment and it was not possible to go inside. I hope that by now it has reopened and is again in use.
14.10.2009
JPB
Time to take down this warning about IDs. It may have been accurate during the communist era (many tourism venues in Romania used to require ID) but it is definitely not the case now. We've been to this museum and synagogue numerous times, and have never been asked for any type of ID. In fact, we've always been welcomed most warmly. This museum should be on everyone's don't-miss list. And that includes Romanians - - as the museum's exhibits clearly illustrate, the Germans weren't the only ones deporting Jewish people to their deaths.
04.07.2007
Ben
Visitors should know that a national identity card or passport is required for entry. This requirement is not written in any guide book or review that I've seen, nor even posted on the door. However, the staff is quite rigid, and flabbergasted that someone might not know to bring their passport.
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Comments
Steve
Having been turned away today from here and the Peoples Palace for the want of identity I suggest tourists to Bucharest have their passports on them at all times!
philip windsor
I was able to visit this synagogue turned museum without difficulty or ID a couple of years ago as the only visitor on a Sunday morning. The lady guide who spoke excellent English was very welcoming and informative about what remains of the Jewish community today. In many ways it was sad to see this beautiful synagogue stripped of its seating and bimah and ark but still architecturallyimposing but of course no longer used for worship.The only other (functioning) synagogue was closed for refurbishment and it was not possible to go inside. I hope that by now it has reopened and is again in use.
JPB
Time to take down this warning about IDs. It may have been accurate during the communist era (many tourism venues in Romania used to require ID) but it is definitely not the case now. We've been to this museum and synagogue numerous times, and have never been asked for any type of ID. In fact, we've always been welcomed most warmly. This museum should be on everyone's don't-miss list. And that includes Romanians - - as the museum's exhibits clearly illustrate, the Germans weren't the only ones deporting Jewish people to their deaths.
Ben
Visitors should know that a national identity card or passport is required for entry. This requirement is not written in any guide book or review that I've seen, nor even posted on the door. However, the staff is quite rigid, and flabbergasted that someone might not know to bring their passport.