A fundraising campaign is underway to complete financing for a third and final phase of a restoration of the early 19th century synagogue in Bayonne, in the extreme southwest of France.
According to officials, the planned third phase of work will mainly focus on renovating the facades, woodwork, and stained glass as well as repainting the building and its annexes.
The estimated €600,000 cost is mainly financed by the city, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC), and the local Jewish community, but donations are also sought (as much as €60-80,000) to kick off work.
As part of the campaign, a classical concert was held in the synagogue just before Hanukkah, with all the proceeds donated toward the restoration. (It’s not clear where and how others can donate.)
The first two phases of the restoration, begun in 2015, dealt with damage caused by termites, repaired the entire electrical system, and interior paintings.
Listed as a historic monument, the simple but imposing neoclassical synagogue, designed by an architect named Capdeville, was built in stone in 1836-37 for a community descended from “Marrano” refugees from the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal. It is set back from the street in a courtyard. Its interior features massive women’s galleries and an ark from an 18th century synagogue.
See an extensive description of the synagogue on French wikipedia
Read a city document describing the planned third phase work and financing
See photo gallery on the Monumentum web site
See photo documentation by the Center for Jewish Art