Klausen Synagogue, Prague

Conveniently located right at the entrance to the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Klausen Synagogue is the largest in Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter. Built at the end of the 17th century, its foundations rest on the site of three earlier structures—a small synagogue, a school, and a ritual bath—all consumed by the devastating fire that swept through the ghetto in 1689. The new building, shaped by early Baroque design, quickly became a central part of the community’s spiritual and social life.

During the Second World War, the synagogue was seized by the Nazis and used as a storage space, a grim chapter that led to the loss of much of its interior detail. In the years following the war, it became part of the Jewish Museum in Prague and has since offered visitors a meaningful window into Jewish life and ritual. The permanent exhibitions focused on everyday customs and the major Jewish holidays have long been a favorite among those interested in the cultural fabric of Czech Jewry.

Inside, visitors would normally find a spacious nave beneath a barrel-vaulted ceiling, adorned with Baroque stucco work—acanthus leaves, cascading fruit garlands, and intricate detailing that adds a sense of movement and warmth. Sunlight pours through tall arched windows, casting a golden glow across the space. One of the most cherished elements is the Torah Ark, carved from wood in 1696. Positioned at the front of the hall, it showcases the artistry and devotion that defined the period.

As of July 2024, the Klausen Synagogue is temporarily closed for major renovations, with a planned reopening set for 2028. When it reopens, a new core exhibition focused on Jewish customs and daily practices will take center stage, continuing the synagogue’s role as a bridge between past and present. For the latest updates and announcements, be sure to check the official website of the Jewish Museum in Prague.