Jewish Museum and Synagogue

Amidst palm trees and promenades, in the heart of Merano, lies a place that brings to life a nearly forgotten chapter of the city’s history: the Jewish Museum and Synagogue. Housed in an elegant Art Nouveau building from 1901, this cultural landmark preserves the memory of a small yet influential Jewish community – one that helped shape Merano’s golden age. When Empress Elisabeth of Austria chose Merano as her spa retreat, the city soon attracted not only aristocrats and artists but also prominent Jewish families from Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. They brought economic vitality, built elegant villas, hotels, and sanatoriums, and became important patrons of art, science, and culture. Many ran thriving businesses tied to the spa industry. The Jewish contribution to Merano’s development is still visible today – for those who look closely, traces remain throughout the city, including at the Jewish cemetery. At the center of this rich legacy stands the Synagogue on Schillerstraße street, still an active house of worship and home to the museum’s moving permanent exhibition. Here, visitors can explore the lives of Jewish families in Merano – their beginnings, achievements, and daily routines, but also the painful chapters of persecution during the Nazi era, the devastation of the community, and the difficult rebuilding after World War II. A special highlight of the Jewish Museum is its collection of original ritual objects: Torah scrolls, Kiddush cups, and Chanukah menorahs offer a deeply personal glimpse into the religious and social traditions  photographs, and first-hand accounts make the past tangible in profoundly human terms. The Synagogue also houses one of the few remaining Art Nouveau Torah arks in the world – an architectural rarity of exceptional beauty. For those who pause and listen, the museum speaks in quiet, intimate tones: of people who once strolled along the Passer River, stayed in refined spa hotels, and helped shape Merano’s cultural life. And of those who, even in the face of adversity, preserved their faith, their stories, and their community.
Today, the Jewish Museum is not only a place of remembrance – it is a space of dialogue and cultural exchange. Alongside guided tours, it hosts regular events that bridge the past and the present, inviting reflection and connection. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Merano, this quiet and remarkable place is a must. Tucked between the Passer Promenade and the Kurhaus, it reveals a chapter of history as moving as it is essential.

We recommend travelling by public transport. From the railway station it is best to take one of the citybusses (1, 4 or 6) to the Merano Therme bus stop and then walk to the synagogue (3 minutes by foot).

We recommend travelling by public transport. The Synagogue is located in via Schiller in the city centre.
Bicycle parking is available in front of the Merano Therme. Be careful not to park bicycles and e-scooters carelessly. They can pose a danger to blind and visually impaired people as they create obstacles to safely walking along paths and finding entrances. People in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs can also be hindered by carelessly parked bicycles. Please use the bicycle parking spaces provided.

There are disabled parking spaces in the nearby Therme car park, from where you can reach your destination in just a few minutes by foot crossing via Piave.

The right behaviour and good manners make visiting cultural sites more enjoyable for everyone and show your respect for art, culture and history.

• Photography is sometimes allowed, sometimes not. Check the signs.
• Silent phones and quiet voices make for a better experience – for you and everyone else. This might be tricky in groups, but it’s worth the effort.
• Uneven floors and narrow stairs can sometimes make things tricky. Take your time and stay safe.
• Accessibility matters: Not all cultural sites are fully accessible, but where they are, give priority to those who need it. It’s a matter of dignity – for them and for you.
• Pets are best left outside unless otherwise allowed, as they’re not usually permitted inside cultural spaces.
• Check emergency exits and evacuation plans– just in case. If there’s an emergency, stay calm, follow the signs, and head to the assembly point outside.

Most of this might seem obvious – and it is! But a little reminder never hurts. By being calm, mindful, and respectful, you’re making a big difference – for yourself, your surroundings, and future generations.