The synagogue in Radzanów will become a branch of the Mazovian Museum in Płock. “It is a real gem.”

The synagogue was built at the beginning of the 20th century. From the time of World War II until the 1970s, the building was used as a warehouse for agricultural fertilizers. It later housed a library. Since 2004, the property has been owned by the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland (FODŻ).

It is one of only a few synagogues in Poland built in the Neo-Moorish style. The building is a reminder of Radzanów’s multicultural past. Jews settled there around 1710. In the 19th century, around 600 Jews lived in Radzanów, but by 1921 their number had fallen to 303. Almost all of Radzanów’s Jews were murdered by the Germans during World War II.

Unfortunately, the synagogue is in very poor technical condition. For years, FODŻ had been working to secure the renovation of the building and give it a new and dignified purpose. Support came from local community activists, including Kuba Baliński and Barbara Zaborowska, the company Cedrob S.A., and the regional and municipal authorities, including Marshal Adam Struzik and Mayor Przemysław Pakuszewski.

Today, an agreement was signed between FODŻ and the Mazovian Museum in Płock. The synagogue has been granted to the Museum on a 75-year loan. The Museum will raise funds to renovate the building and establish one of its branches there.

“I am delighted that the synagogue will be given a new lease of life. This building is important; it is part of our shared heritage,” said attorney Adam Pindor, who conducted the negotiations on behalf of FODŻ.

This will be another branch of the Mazovian Museum in Płock, which operates, among others, the Museum of Mazovian Jews in Płock and the open-air museum in Wiączemin Polski.

“It is good that we have reached an agreement and that we will save this synagogue. It is important that the building will serve primarily the local community,” added Leonard Sobieraj, Director of the Mazovian Museum.

The revitalization of the synagogue is a major opportunity for the further development of Radzanów, a village with a population of around 750. It will expand the cultural offerings available to residents of northern Mazovia and attract tourists.

“This synagogue is a real gem. Many people are already interested in it,” emphasized Mayor Przemysław Pakuszewski.

» back