Hamburg exhibition explores ruins of pioneering Reform Jewish temple
From May 6 to July 29, 2026, the 11th Hamburg Architecture Summer will showcase an exhibition titled 'Going Deep – The New Israelite Temple on Poolstraße', located at the historic site of the Israelite Temple at Poolstraße 11-14. Originally opened in September 1844, this temple was an architectural milestone as the first permanent Reform Jewish synagogue in a major German city, noted for its innovative organ and liturgical features. The site, purchased by the city in 2020, underwent archaeological work starting in January 2026. Events include guided tours on May 18, June 15, and July 20, a concert on June 7, and a lecture on June 15.
Key facts
- Exhibition runs May 6 to July 29, 2026 at the Israelite Temple ruin, Poolstraße 11–14, Hamburg.
- The temple was consecrated in September 1844, designed by Johann Hinrich Klees-Wülbern.
- It was the first Reform Jewish synagogue in a German city with an organ.
- The site was placed under monument protection in 2003.
- The city of Hamburg acquired the property in 2020.
- Laser tomography archaeological investigations began in January 2026.
- Guided tours on May 18, June 15, and July 20, 2026.
- Concert by Stella's Morgenstern on June 7, 2026; lecture by Dr. Jürgen Bönig on June 15, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Stella's Morgenstern
- Albrecht Rosengarten
- Johann Hinrich Klees-Wülbern
- Dr. Jürgen Bönig
Institutions
- Israelitischer Tempelverband
- Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg
- Landesbetrieb für Immobilienmanagement und Grundvermögen (LIG)
- steg Hamburg mbH
- Tempelforum e. V.
- Hamburger Architektur Sommer
Locations
- Hamburg
- Germany
- Poolstraße
- Neustadt
- Alter Steinweg
- Harvestehude
- Grindelviertel
- Bornplatz
- Dammtor
- Oberstraße