The Old Synagogue on Steeler Strasse is one of the largest and best-preserved synagogue buildings in Germany — a monumental domed structure from 1913 that survived the Nazi period when most German synagogues were destroyed. The building now serves as a cultural centre and memorial, housing a permanent exhibition on the history of Jewish life in Essen from the medieval period to the present, including the destruction of the Jewish community during the Holocaust.
The exhibition is thoughtful and specific: individual family histories, photographs, documents, and objects from the former Jewish community of Essen are presented alongside the broader historical context. The building itself — restored in the 1980s — is architecturally impressive: the main hall retains its original proportions and some decorative elements. Entry is free.