Old Synagogue (Auckland)

Old Synagogue, Auckland

The Old Synagogue is a 19th century synagogue in Auckland, New Zealand. It is now called University House, and is part of the University of Auckland.

A local Jewish community had been present since the founding of Auckland in 1840. The synagogue building, which blends Moorish and classical elements, was designed and built by Edward Bartley in 1884-1885,^[1] and the synagogue opened on 9 November 1885.^[2] In 1967 the congregation moved to larger premises on Greys Avenue, overlooking Myers Park.^[3] The old synagogue building was left vacant and deteriorated over the following years, until it was carefully restored in 1989 to serve as a branch of the National Bank.^[4] The University of Auckland began leasing it in 2003, and it now houses the University's External Relations offices.^[5]

The building has a Category I listing with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.^[6]

References

1. ^ Heritage Walks - The Engineering Heritage of Auckland, Tourism Auckland. ISBN 0-908960-46-8.
2. ^ Mara Weiss. The Jewish Virtual History Tour, New Zealand. Retrieved 12 May 2010.Retrieved 12 May 2010.
3. ^ Anéne Cusins-Lewer and Julia Gatley. The 'Myers Park Experiment' (1913-1916) and its Legacy in Auckland. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
4. ^ Old Jewish Synagogue, January 2006, Architecture Archive, Universtiy of Auckland Library. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
5. ^ Diana Morrow. The University Heritage Trail, University of Auckland Business School. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
6. ^ "Synagogue (Former)". Register of Historic Places. New Zealand Historic Places Trust. http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?RID=578&m=advanced. Retrieved 2010-05-13. 

External links

• Visit us at University House, Alumni and Friends, University of Auckland (with pictures of interior)
• Auckland's Former Synagogue, Heath Design - describes the restoration of the stencils (with pictures)

Coordinates: 36°50′56″S 174°46′09″E / 36.848773°S 174.769244°E / -36.848773; 174.769244