The Rumbach Street Synagogue was built in 1872 to to the design of the Viennese Architect Otto Wagner. Like the much larger Dohány Street Synagogue, it has a moorish theme to the design. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by the Nazis in the '40's. What we see today is a reconstruction funded by the Hungarian government and completed in 2021.
It was originally built to serve the modernist and liberal Neológ community in Pest. There was a schism in the Jewish community in 1869 and the more conservative Status Quo faction took over.
Interestingly, this synagogue has the speakers platform in the center of the building. Because this space is no longer used for religious services, it is not alway useful to have a dias in the middle of the space. Thus, to be able to host social and other events, the central platform lowers into the basement and the floor is replaced making the entire space available for use for gatherings, art exhibits, and other events.
It has been restored to its former glory following the original design. As you can see it is quite beautiful.
The octagonal design with windows near the ceiling at the central dome create a space with lots of light.
The details in the wall panels show the arabic influence in their design.
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