The Great Synagogue welcomes 1000 visitors for Sydney Open event

The Great Synagogue, Sydney, welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors on Sunday, 2 November, as part of the Museums of History NSW’s annual Sydney Open event.

This offered many their first opportunity to see inside one of Australia’s most striking examples of Victorian architecture.

Now in its 21st year, Sydney Open invites the public to explore more than 60 of the city’s most intriguing and historically significant buildings, from heritage landmarks to contemporary spaces that celebrate Sydney’s architectural diversity.

 

Annette Pitman, CEO of Museums of History NSW, said, “Sydney Open is an unparalleled celebration of Sydney’s built environment, from cherished heritage treasures to cutting-edge contemporary architecture.”

The Elizabeth Street landmark invited guests to explore its soaring neo-Gothic arches, intricate stained-glass windows and its rich history. Guided tours and interactive displays highlighted the building’s enduring role in Jewish and Sydney life.

Chief Minister Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton described the day as both joyful and profound. “It was deeply moving to see so many people from diverse backgrounds walk through our doors with curiosity, respect and wonder.”

“The Great Synagogue is not only a place of worship but a cultural treasure, and we are honoured to share it with the wider community once again.”

The synagogue last participated in Sydney Open in 2022 but withdrew in 2024 due to security concerns following the October 7 attacks. Its return this year, supported by enhanced safety measures, reflected both resilience and a renewed commitment to openness.

Board member Toby Hammerman, who coordinated the day with General Manager Larry Dorfan and Curator Dr Jana Vytrhlik, said the response was overwhelmingly positive. “Visitors were fascinated by our history and architecture, and it was heartening to see their enthusiasm in discovering the story of our community.”

With about a hundred people inside at any one time, the tours ran smoothly. Groups of 10 to 15 visitors were seated for short presentations about the synagogue’s 1878 consecration, its place as the oldest continuously used Jewish house of worship in Sydney, and its architectural significance.

Volunteer guide Joe Gluck said the most valuable part of the day was “the sense of mutual respect and interest. People came not only to admire the architecture but to understand Jewish life in Australia.”

For many, including families, students and visitors from across cultural and faith backgrounds, it was their first time stepping inside a synagogue. The day was marked by curiosity, admiration and a shared sense of connection.