Center for Jewish Memory and Culture in the Synagogue in Chęciny

COMPLETION DATE: 2023
LOCATION: POLAND

The historical building of the former synagogue in Chęciny, built after 1638, has undergone many changes and renovations during its existence. After the Second World War, the building was renovated and adapted for use as a cinema and library. Later it served as a Community Cultural Center.

Now, after extensive construction work under the supervision of a conservator, the building has been given a new function – the Center for Jewish Memory and Culture in Chęciny.

 

The scope of the work included structural strengthening of both the soil under the foundations and the vault structure. We repaired breaks and cracks, especially in the walls, in the vaults and in the lintels. The roof structure was replaced, while at the same time we reinforced the structure of the building in the attic and installed shingle-type metal roofing.

 

We restored the original floor level in the historic part of the former synagogue building. We also carried out restoration of stone elements of facade decoration and stucco.

 

Some of the floors had to be replaced in order to install underfloor heating. We repaired the exterior staircase and built a reinforced concrete ceiling over the auxiliary room. The interior staircase in the northern part (the extension) was rebuilt and we replaced the Klein ceilings with WPS ceilings.

The interiors also required attention in order to adapt them to the new function of the building. This meant carrying out a series of installations (plumbing, electrical and telecommunications) and adapting part of the first floor for technical and sanitary facilities.

 

Also important was the equipment necessary for the functioning of the facility, which we carried out taking into account the acoustics. On the ground floor and the first floor of the historical part of the building, exhibition rooms were created. In the added part we made the rooms necessary for the functioning of the educational part, including workshop rooms.

Now the building of the former synagogue in Chęciny has been given a new function – to spread the knowledge of the Jewish culture in the region.

 

We put our heart in stone.