Angel Orensanz Cultural Foundation

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The Angel Orensanz Cultural Foundation was built in 1850, originally for Congregation Anshe Chesed, founded by a group of German-Jewish immigrants. In 1888, it was taken over by Congregation Anshe Slonim.
It is the oldest surviving building in New York City built specifically as a synagogue, and the first synagogue structure built on the Lower East Side. At its completion, it was the largest synagogue building in the United States. It could accommodate seating for 1200 people; 700 men on the ground floor and 500 women in the balcony.

Inspired by the Cologne Cathedral, it was designed by Alexander Saeltzer in the Gothic Revival style, popular in New York during the 1850s. The interior's vaulted sanctuary space and great doors continue to evoke awe in their viewers. The structure was purchased in 1986 by Angel Orensanz, an internationally renowned Spanish sculptor, and there is a gallery of his work upstairs. Angel and his brother Al, a sociologist of urban communities and an impresario, have been working ever since to restore the building. They have transformed it into what is presently one of New York's liveliest cultural centers for the visual and performing arts.

Over the years, the Angel Orensanz Cultural Foundation has welcomed Over the years we have welcomed some truly inspiring individuals, including: Philip Glass and Spike Lee; Arthur Miller, Alexander McQueen, Salman Rushdie, Maya Angelou and Alexander Borovsky; Elie Wiesel and Chuck Close.

For more information on the Angel Orensanz Cultural Foundation, visit their website at www.orensanz.org

Eastern European Jewish Heritage-LES
updated 11/2009 by NYU Tourism Maps