The city of Kępno has been carrying out the restoration of the long-derelict former synagogue over the past few years, and pictures show that its exterior renovation has been completed.
The Union of Jewish Communities in Poland donated the synagogue to the municipality of Kępno in 2009 under the conditions that it can be used exclusively for cultural purposes. Reconstruction officially kicked off in 2021.
According to the web site of the city, the renovation entails reconstructing the historic external façade of the synagogue and installiig a new roof, as well as the comprehensive reconstruction and development of its interior for use as a cultural center, with a multi-purpose hall, a large stage and a balcony. The building will be adapted to the needs of disabled people and the area will be landscaped with greenery.
The city web site said the cost estimate for all work was 10,324,319.90 zloty (€2.4 million). The Kępno municipality received 14,024,473.62 (€3.2 million) in subsidies from the Greater Poland Regional Operational Program for the joint revitalization of the Synagogue, the Library, and a Park.
The neoclassical building was constructed in 1814-1815 by masonry masters Frederick Wilhelm and Charles Frederick Scheffler of Brzeg. During WW2 the Nazis used it as a stable. Its interior fittings were gutted and after the war it was used as a furniture warehouse. The building suffered serious damage from a fire in 1974 and remained abandoned.
This video from one year ago shows the previous state of the long-derelict synagogue as well as the process of renovation (with commentary from the Mayor).
The renovation is being carried out as part of a broader local revitalisation of the town’s market square and surrounding areas that is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
Read the city’s description of the renovation project, from 2021
See a photo gallery of the progress of restoration, on the city’s web site