Old Synagogue in Cracow

Medals available for purchase in the souvenir shop!

The branch was established in 1958. It collects artifacts related to the history and culture of Jews, primarily those connected with the history and culture of Kraków’s Jewish community. It promotes knowledge about Jewish life, culture, and traditions through exhibitions, educational activities, public outreach, and by providing access to a specialized book collection.

Its facilities consist of two historic buildings: the Old Synagogue in Kazimierz and Tadeusz Pankiewicz’s ‘Pharmacy Under the Eagle’ in Podgórze.

The Old Synagogue is the oldest surviving synagogue in Poland. Built in the 15th century, it was modeled after Gothic synagogues in Germany and Bohemia. In 1570, it was rebuilt by Italian architect Matteo Gucci, who gave it a Renaissance form while preserving its original two-nave layout and reconstructing its ribbed vaulting.

In the second half of the 16th century and first half of the 17th century, an entrance hall, two women’s prayer rooms, and a community administration building were added. Together, these structures formed the religious and administrative center of the Jewish community in Kazimierz.

Before World War I and after its conclusion, the synagogue underwent multi-phase restoration designed by Zygmunt Hendel in 1904, 1913, and 1923. In 1941, during the Nazi creation of the Kraków Ghetto, it was seized by the German Trusteeship Office (Treuhandstelle) and used as a warehouse. Its interior was destroyed. In late 1944, its vaulting collapsed, possibly due to deliberate damage.

Between 1956-1959, it was restored. Following an agreement on October 30, 1959, between the Jewish Religious Community in Kraków and the Historical Museum, it became home to the Museum Branch of Jewish History and Culture.