Gates of Heaven Synagogue, Madison

The Gates of Heaven Synagogue, originally known by its Hebrew name Shaarei Shamayim, translated as “Gates of Heaven”, is one of the oldest surviving synagogue buildings in the United States. Constructed in 1863 by a group of 17 German-speaking Jewish families, it ranks among the eighth‑oldest extant synagogues nationally. Its design was crafted by August Kutzbock, a German immigrant architect who also contributed to notable local landmarks.

The synagogue served Madison’s earliest Jewish congregation until financial hardship in the late 1870s led to its lease by other local congregations, including the First Unitarian Society and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. The original Jewish congregation dissolved by the early 20th century, and the building was used as a funeral home, dentist’s office, warehouse, and even a politician’s campaign headquarters over the decades.

In 1970, the synagogue faced demolition by new owners planning to redevelop the site. Community advocates launched a preservation campaign, resulting in its addition to the National Register of Historic Places in December 1970 and relocation to James Madison Park in 1971. The move-completed over nine hours using specialized equipment-garnered widespread public interest and ensured the building’s survival.

Today, the Gates of Heaven building is managed by the Madison Parks Department and serves as a cherished event venue for weddings, concerts, lectures, and occasional High Holy Day services. Since 2011, the Madison Minyan congregation has resumed holding services here occasionally. The building features Romanesque Revival architecture, constructed from sandstone and characterized by its rounded arches, decorative parapets resembling battlements, and a prominent circular window centered in the gabled front.