Description
The objective of the project is to complete the restauration of the New Synagogue in Žilina, completed in 1931. It was designed by the world-renowned German architect Peter Behrens, considered "godfather of modernism". During and after WW II, the synagogue served as a university auditorium and cinema. By the end of 2013, we managed to remove non-native structures, clean the entire site and reconstruct the dome. During the EEA grants project, we would like to complete the restoration and open the building to the public. Our intention is to create an exhibition space for contemporary art with an international engagement in combination with local cultural activities. Our program will focus also on the heritage of Jewish population in Slovakia and other victims of intolerance and thus actively contribute to the development of non discrimination and tolerance, cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. Our Norwegian partner in the project, Tou scene AS, will help us to gain specialised knowledge on restoration of monuments, particularly in the area of project management and development of tourism potential.
Summary of project results
The main goal of the project was restoration and opening to the public of the Behrens Synagogue in Žilina. The aim was to save the monument from commercial use and keep it for next generations. The Synagogue, completed in 1931, is one of the most important building of the 20th century in Slovakia. The building was designed by the world-renowned German architect Peter Behrens. After the WW II, the Synagogue served as a concert hall, university auditorium, and a cinema. The recent discovery of the original blueprints of the architect Peter Behrens, considered irretrievably lost, brought new possibilities to the original restoration. Before the project, the monument was closed and its cultural and architectural value had been almost lost. The intention of the project was to create an exhibition space for contemporary art with an international engagement in combination with local cultural activities. The restoration of the monument is completed and it is now open for the public and it brings life to this abandoned space. There were many public events organized, such as exhibitions, discussions, presentations, concerts, art-festivals, workshops, art-residencies, conferences and community activities. One of the most important monument of Jewish heritage in architecture in Europe – Behrens Synagogue in Žilina – is now restored and open to the public as a cultural centre. The monument is now open for the public and is visited during the year by thousands local inhabitants as well as tourists.
Summary of bilateral results
Members of the management team as well as our architectural expert visited the project partner - Norwegian partner Tou Scene AS. It was a source of inspiration for the whole project and they exchanged the experience in the field of the renovation of the modern architecture. The project partnership continues. Both are members of the network of independent cultural centres Trans Europe Halles and they meet in regular basis. They believe it will strengthen bilateral relations in culture and cultural heritage preservation. During the study visit in Norway the promoter´s team learned a lot about the management of a cultural centre similar to theirs and they learned about the process of the renovation of the modern architecture. They also shared our experience and problems and the study visit helped them to better organise project works back in Žilina. Bilateral cooperation improved the quality of the project management and enhanced skills and competencies of the project team.