Maisel Synagogue

Maisel Synagogue Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Prague

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Maisel Synagogue, nestled in Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter (Josefov), is a landmark of deep cultural and architectural significance. As a testament to centuries of Jewish heritage in Bohemia and Central Europe, it offers visitors a profound journey through history, art, and resilience. This comprehensive guide details everything prospective visitors need to know—from opening hours and ticketing to historical context, architectural highlights, and practical travel tips—to make your visit to this extraordinary site both memorable and meaningful.

For the latest updates and detailed visitor information, consult the Jewish Museum Prague. Additional background on the synagogue’s history and architecture can be found at Avantgarde Prague and Prague Guide.

Historical Overview
Architectural Features
- Neo-Gothic Exterior
- Interior & Exhibition
Visiting Information
Nearby Attractions
FAQs
Summary & Recommendations
Sources

Historical Overview

Origins & Foundation

The Maisel Synagogue was conceived in 1592 under the patronage of Mordechai Maisel, a wealthy philanthropist and mayor of Prague’s Jewish ghetto. Maisel, influential at the imperial court of Rudolf II, received special permission to build a private synagogue—an extraordinary privilege at the time (Jewish Traveler). The original structure, designed by Judah Tzoref de Herz and Josef Wahl, stood out for its Renaissance style, spacious layout, and three naves—features rare among synagogues of that era (World Jewish Travel).

Fires, Reconstructions & Evolution

The synagogue’s history is marked by cycles of destruction and renewal. A devastating fire in 1689 destroyed the original building, after which it was rebuilt on a more modest scale in the Baroque style. Another major transformation occurred between 1893 and 1905, when architect Alfred Grotte remodeled the building in the Neo-Gothic style, aligning it with the newly redeveloped Jewish Quarter (Avantgarde Prague; Prague Guide).

War & Museum Transformation

During the Nazi occupation, the synagogue was repurposed as storage for looted Jewish property, reflecting the tragic history of Prague’s Jewish community (Prague Guide). Post-WWII, the synagogue became part of the Jewish Museum in Prague, housing a permanent exhibition on Jewish history in the Bohemian lands. Recent restorations, most notably completed in 2015 and reopened in 2022, have both preserved and revitalized the synagogue, making it accessible and engaging for modern visitors (World Jewish Travel).

Architectural Features

Neo-Gothic Exterior

The synagogue’s current Neo-Gothic appearance is defined by pointed arches, ornate stonework, and high gables, distinguishing it from other synagogues in the area (Avantgarde Prague). The façade’s vertical emphasis, decorative tracery, and lancet windows are hallmarks of late 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, giving the building its striking silhouette.

Interior & Exhibition

Inside, the synagogue boasts high vaulted ceilings, ribbed arches, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork on the bimah and galleries (Avantgarde Prague). The permanent exhibition, “Jews in the Bohemian Lands, 10th–18th Century,” uses artifacts and digital displays to narrate the story of Jewish life in the region. Highlights include:

Ceremonial Silverware: Torah crowns, pointers, and candlesticks.
Textiles: Embroidered Torah mantles and parochets.
Manuscripts: Early Hebrew books and illuminated scrolls.
Digital Features: Interactive touchscreens and a 2D projection based on Langweil’s Model of 19th-century Prague, allowing a virtual tour of the old ghetto (praguehere.com).

Modern renovations have ensured the space is accessible and equipped with contemporary exhibition technology while preserving its historical ambiance.

Visiting Information

Location & Access

Address: Maiselova 10, Prague 1, Josefov
Closest Metro: Staroměstská (Green Line A), a short walk away
Tram: Line 17 to Staroměstská
Parking: Limited; public transport or walking is recommended (prague.org)

Hours & Tickets

Hours:
- April–October: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- November–March: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Closed Saturdays (Shabbat) and Jewish holidays (gocity.com)
Tickets:
- Only available as part of the Jewish Museum combined ticket
- 2025 prices: 500 CZK adults, 370 CZK for children, students, and seniors (museumofwander.com)
- Purchase at museum ticket offices, online, or through tour operators (praguevisitorpass.eu)

Accessibility

The synagogue is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Audio guides and printed materials are available in multiple languages (Avantgarde Prague).

Tours & Practical Tips

Guided Tours: Available in several languages, covering the Jewish Quarter’s main sites; book in advance (prague-info.info)
Dress Code: Modest attire is required; men are provided with kippot at the entrance (museumofwander.com)
Photography: Allowed without flash or tripod
Visit Duration: Allow 45–60 minutes for a thorough visit

Nearby Attractions

Spanish Synagogue: Celebrated for its Moorish Revival architecture
Pinkas Synagogue: A Holocaust memorial with names of Czech and Moravian Jewish victims
Old-New Synagogue: One of Europe’s oldest active synagogues
Old Jewish Cemetery: Among the continent’s oldest Jewish burial grounds
Jewish Ceremonial Hall: Exhibits on Jewish customs
Kafka Statue: A modern tribute near the quarter

Numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops line the district, making it ideal for a full day of cultural exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I buy a ticket for just the Maisel Synagogue?
A: No, tickets are only available as part of the combined Jewish Museum ticket.

Q: Is the synagogue accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
A: Yes, full wheelchair accessibility is provided.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours of the Jewish Quarter, including the Maisel Synagogue, are available and recommended.

Q: What are the best times to visit to avoid crowds?
A: Weekday mornings are generally quieter.

Q: Is photography allowed inside?
A: Photography is permitted without flash, subject to posted guidelines.

Summary & Visitor Recommendations

The Maisel Synagogue stands as a vibrant symbol of Prague’s Jewish heritage. From its Renaissance origins and Neo-Gothic transformation to its present role as a museum, it reflects the community’s endurance, prosperity, and artistic achievement. The thoughtfully curated exhibitions, interactive displays, and rich programming—set within one of Josefov’s finest architectural landmarks—offer deep insight into Jewish history and culture.

For a rewarding visit, combine your trip to the Maisel Synagogue with other sites in the Jewish Quarter, take advantage of guided tours, and check event calendars for concerts or lectures. Stay updated through the Jewish Museum Prague, and consider downloading the Audiala app for enhanced exploration and audio guides.

Embrace this opportunity to connect with Prague’s layered past and vibrant present, ensuring a meaningful and memorable cultural experience (Avantgarde Prague; Prague Guide; museumofwander.com).