Prague’s Jewish museum launches new permanent exhibit

The Jewish Museum in Prague launches a new permanent exhibition in the historic Maisel Synagogue in the Czech capital.

The exhibition, which opened Wednesday following a year-long renovation of the synagogue, focuses on the history of the Jewish people in Bohemia and Moravia. It features an aerial projection of the former Prague Jewish quarter, which was largely destroyed in the late 19th century.

“Visitors can also use touch screens to learn about the history of various Czech Jewish leaders and their communities, and browse through rare Hebrew manuscripts and prints,” one of the creators of the exhibition, Alexandr Putik, told reporters.

The Maisel Synagogue is located in the heart of the former Jewish district. Built in the late 16th century as a private temple, the synagogue was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style at the turn of the 20th century — an appearance that was restored during the reconstruction.

The Prague Jewish museum, which attracts about 550,000 annual visitors to make it one of the Czech Republic’s most popular attractions, is also planning to revitalize the Spanish Synagogue, a classic example of Moorish-style architecture.

— JTA