Agoudas-Hakehilos Synagogue

What is the history of the Agoudas-Hakehilos synagogue in Paris?

The Agoudas-Hakehilos synagogue was built in 1913 by Parisian Art Nouveau architect Hector Guimard for the Agoudas Hakehilos association, which was made up of nine Orthodox Jewish societies, mainly of Russian origin.

What was the background to the construction of the Agoudas-Hakehilos synagogue?

The synagogue's construction reflects the massive influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe to Paris in the early 20th century.

How was the Agoudas-Hakehilos synagogue financed and inaugurated?

The synagogue was entirely privately financed and inaugurated on June 7, 1914, although it had already been in use since October 1913. It should be noted that the synagogue was not represented at the inauguration by an official of the Central Consistory.

What are the architectural features of the Agoudas-Hakehilos synagogue?

The synagogue, built of hollow agglomerated stone on reinforced concrete, is one of Hector Guimard's late works. It is characterized by its simple, calm vertical rhythm, illustrating the return to order in French architecture after 1910.

What's special about the synagogue's interior architecture?

The synagogue is built high up, due to the narrow strip of land on which it is situated. It has two mezzanine floors on either side of the central bay. The interior volume is entirely vertical, illuminated by skylights in the ceiling and a large bay window in the back wall.

Which architectural elements were designed by Hector Guimard?

Hector Guimard designed not only the building itself, but also the furniture, including lighting fixtures, chandeliers, sconces and benches. The stylized plant decoration in staff and the cast-iron railings are also his creations.

When was the Agoudas-Hakehilos synagogue listed as a Monument Historique?

The only religious building designed by Hector Guimard, this synagogue was listed as a Monument Historique by decree on July 4, 1989, including all liturgical elements that are immovable by nature.

Where is the Agoudas-Hakehilos synagogue and how do I get there?

The synagogue is located at number 10 rue Pavée, in the heart of the Marais Jewish quarter, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. Access is via the Saint-Paul metro station (line 1).

Agoudas-Hakehilos synagogue in brief

The Agoudas-Hakehilos synagogue was built in 1913 by Parisian Art Nouveau architect Hector Guimard for the Agoudas Hakehilos, an association of nine Orthodox Jewish societies of mainly Russian origin.
It bears witness to the massive influx of Eastern European immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. The synagogue is built of hollow agglomerated stone on reinforced concrete.

The synagogue, financed entirely by private funds, was inaugurated on June 7, 1914, without any official representative of the Central Consistory, although it had already been in use since October 1913.

The synagogue is one of Hector Guimard's late works. Together with his own hotel in the 16th arrondissement of Paris (1910), the synagogue's simple, calm vertical rhythm illustrates the return to order in French architecture after 1910.

The only religious building designed by Hector Guimard, it was listed as a historic monument by decree on July 4, 1989, including all liturgical elements that are immovable by nature.

Back to the list of churches and synagogues in the Marais