Auschwitz Jewish Center and Synagogue
A poignant sanctuary preserving the memory of Oświęcim's vibrant Jewish community through moving exhibits and a hidden synagogue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Auschwitz Jewish Center and Synagogue
Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant sanctuary preserving the memory of Oświęcim's vibrant Jewish community through moving exhibits and a hidden synagogue.
"This museum helped to break down these numbers and preserve the memory of those who lost their lives."
Download the Oshpitzin App
Enhance your visit with historical context and a virtual tour. Available on Google Play & App Store. :iphone:
Visit After Auschwitz Camps
Provides a peaceful, reflective contrast to the intensity of the camps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Secret Synagogue
Inside the Jewish Center
A hidden sanctuary discovered in 1997, adorned with Jewish prayers, a testament to hidden faith.
Pre-War Jewish Life Exhibits
Jewish Museum
Moving displays of photos and artifacts that humanize the tragedy and preserve memory.
Oshpitzin App
Mobile App
An excellent free app offering insights into Jewish history and a virtual city tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download the Oshpitzin App
Enhance your visit with historical context and a virtual tour. Available on Google Play & App Store. :iphone:
Visit After Auschwitz Camps
Provides a peaceful, reflective contrast to the intensity of the camps.
Engage with Staff
Volunteers are knowledgeable, kind, and passionate about sharing history.
Allow Ample Time
Don't rush; the small museum offers deep insights and can take up to two hours.
Auschwitz Tours
Tips
from all over the internet
Download the Oshpitzin App
Enhance your visit with historical context and a virtual tour. Available on Google Play & App Store. :iphone:
Visit After Auschwitz Camps
Provides a peaceful, reflective contrast to the intensity of the camps.
Engage with Staff
Volunteers are knowledgeable, kind, and passionate about sharing history.
Allow Ample Time
Don't rush; the small museum offers deep insights and can take up to two hours.
Explore the Square
The area outside the museum has boards with touching cartoon stories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Auschwitz Jewish Center for its respectful presentation of pre-war Jewish life and the personal stories that humanize history. The knowledgeable and kind staff, along with the helpful Oshpitzin app, significantly enhance the experience. It's considered a peaceful and essential visit, offering a vital perspective after touring the main Auschwitz camps.
"A must-visit when in Oświęcim or Auschwitz.
The staff – likely volunteers – are kind, helpful, and well-informed about the museum and its history.
What makes this place especially moving are the personal stories connected to the photos and artifacts. It's not just history – it's human tragedy, respectfully presented.
The museum’s free app, Oshpitzin, is excellent. You can download it from Google Play or the Apple App Store. It offers both insights into the Jewish history of Oświęcim and a virtual city tour.
Everything is thoughtfully curated – simple, but powerful.
Highly recommended: visit the museum and use the app, whether before, during, or after your stay."
Urs E. Gattiker
"We had a very peaceful and pleasant time exploring the small but informative Jewish museum. After the 1000s at Auschwitz, this was very peaceful and reflective. In fact we were the only ones there. Highly recommended to have another view."
Simon Round
"This museum was an absolute delight to visit. What really stood out, was the staff—friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about their work. They made the experience even more enjoyable with their helpful insights and warm hospitality. The exhibit left a mark on me with its images or Jewish heritage and struggle and you could see through the organization this museum is passionate in educating its visitors. I definitely wish to return"
Claire Wiese
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Auschwitz Jewish Center is easily accessible from Krakow. Many visitors take a bus or train to Oświęcim. Guided tours to Auschwitz often include a visit to the Jewish Center, or you can arrange transport independently.
Parking is generally available in Oświęcim, though it's advisable to check local parking regulations and availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The Auschwitz Jewish Center is located in the town of Oświęcim, a short distance from the main Auschwitz I camp. It's a walkable distance, but consider the time and your energy levels after visiting the camps.
Regular bus and train services connect Krakow with Oświęcim. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
While specific accessibility details may vary, many historical sites are working to improve accessibility. It's recommended to contact the center directly for the most up-to-date information regarding ramps or elevators.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Jewish Center and Synagogue is often free, though donations are highly appreciated to support their preservation and educational work.
Opening hours can vary, and the synagogue may be closed for renovations or private events. It's best to check the official website or contact the center directly for the most current information.
While the center itself may be free to enter, specific exhibitions or guided tours might have associated costs or suggested donations.
You can often explore the Jewish Center and its exhibits independently. However, a guided tour can offer deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.
Photography policies can vary. It's respectful to inquire about or observe any posted signs regarding photography, especially in sensitive areas like the synagogue.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors describe the atmosphere as peaceful, reflective, and deeply moving, especially after visiting the nearby camps. It offers a chance to connect with the human stories behind the history.
While it may seem small, many visitors find themselves staying for up to two hours, engrossed in the exhibits and personal stories.
The Oshpitzin app provides historical context about the Jewish community of Oświęcim and a virtual city tour, enriching your understanding of the area's past.
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended. Museum employees or volunteers can provide knowledgeable insights into the exhibits and the history of the town.
The exhibits feature powerful photographs, personal artifacts, and stories that highlight Jewish heritage, pre-war life, and the impact of Nazism on the community.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is an excellent cafe associated with the museum, offering refreshments and a place to rest.
The cafe offers a good selection of food and drinks, providing a pleasant break for visitors.
Yes, Oświęcim has various restaurants and cafes where you can find meals before or after your visit to the Jewish Center.
It's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before entering the museum exhibits to maintain the sanctity of the space.
Some organized tours might include lunch breaks or recommendations for nearby eateries. It's best to check the itinerary of your specific tour.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. It's important to be respectful and check for any posted signs or ask staff for guidance before taking pictures, especially in the synagogue.
The exterior of the synagogue and the town square with its informational boards can be photogenic. Inside, focus on capturing the essence of the exhibits respectfully.
Given its sensitive nature, photography inside the secret synagogue might be restricted. Always seek permission or follow guidelines.
Visitors often recommend capturing the atmosphere of the town square and the exterior of the Jewish Center, as well as any art or displays that resonate with them.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. The focus should be on respectful documentation rather than professional photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the aspects of preserving memory and understanding pre-war Jewish life rather than dwelling solely on the atrocities. The personal stories and the resilience highlighted can be powerful learning points. The town square with cartoon stories might also be more accessible for younger audiences.
🕊️ Those Seeking Reflection
Take your time to absorb the exhibits, read the personal accounts, and perhaps use the Oshpitzin app to deepen your understanding. The secret synagogue offers a particularly poignant space for quiet contemplation.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the personal stories and artifacts, which offer granular insights into the community's culture and the devastating impact of the Holocaust. The knowledgeable staff are also a valuable resource for deeper historical discussions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Secret Synagogue
Found by chance in 1997, its existence underscores the quiet acts of defiance and the preservation of religious identity even in the face of systematic persecution. The synagogue stands as a poignant reminder of the vibrant Jewish life that once thrived in Oświęcim before the Holocaust.
Visiting this space offers a deeply personal connection to the past, allowing visitors to reflect on the courage of those who sought solace and community in secret. It's a crucial element of understanding the full scope of Jewish experience during that era.
The Oshpitzin App: Your Digital Guide
It offers comprehensive insights into the rich Jewish history of Oświęcim, bringing to life the community that existed before the war. Beyond historical facts, the app also features a virtual city tour, allowing you to explore the town's landmarks and understand its historical significance at your own pace.
Whether you use it before your visit to prepare, during your exploration for on-the-spot information, or after to consolidate your learning, the Oshpitzin app significantly enhances the educational and emotional impact of your experience.
Connecting with Personal Stories
These elements transform abstract numbers into tangible human tragedies, making the history feel immediate and deeply personal. The staff, often volunteers, are noted for their kindness and deep knowledge, further enriching the narrative by sharing their insights and passion for preserving these memories.
This focus on individual lives and experiences is what makes the museum so moving and impactful, offering a respectful and humanizing perspective on a dark chapter of history.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit