Work is under way to restore the 19th century synagogue in Guebwiller, in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, France. The Heritage Foundation (Fondation du Patrimoine) has launched a campaign to raise funds for the two-stage project.
Main partners behind the project are the the city of Guebwiller and the Jewish Consistory of Haut-Rhin, which owns the building. Inaugurated in 1872 to replace a smaller early 19th century building, it was designed by the architect Auguste Hartmann with a central nave, two side aisles, a wooden coffered ceiling, and a distinctive row of arched windows on its upper elevation. The synagogue has been listed as a historic monument since 1984.
The synagogue was devastated by the Nazis during World War II, but local people managed to save the interior furnishings. It underwent major restoration and rededication after the war, in 1957, and the interior remains intact though in recent years the synagogue was closed for religious services because of the dwindling congregation.
The Heritage Foundation describes the building today as being in “a state of general disrepair in need of complete renovation.”
The city and the Foundation said restoration would take place in two stages.
The first stage, which has just begun, will take seven months and refurbish the exterior of the building.
The restoration work will aim to refresh and embellish this monument. They include the restoration of the freestones, the lime coatings, the resumption of the zinc work, the repair of the stained glass windows, the reorganization of the courtyard as well as the installation of a new gate.
No time frame has been announced for the second stage, which will refurbish the interior.
The Alsace news site DNA.fr quoted Elie Cohen, the president of the Israeli Consistory of the Haut-Rhin”as saying that the goal of the restoration was to make the synagogue “much more open on the city.” He said, “Let’s organize concerts or cultural events, but also educational meetings, for children in particular.”
According to DNA.fr, the cost of the first phase of the work, including exterior renovation and landscaping, will amount to €310,000, around half of it coming from the city, with €115,000, and the Consistoire. The rest will come from contributions from state and regional authorities. The Heritage Foundation campaign seeks to raise €20,000.
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