19. Orthodox Synagogue of Anderlecht

While the design of the Great Synagogue of Brussels on rue de la Régence (1875-1878) was entrusted to Désiré De Keyser, a Catholic architect who reproduced a plan used for Catholic buildings, the Synagogue intended for the Orthodox Jewish community of Brussels was built between 1926 and 1933 in Anderlecht by Joseph de Lange, a Jewish architect who had already designed two other synagogues and who therefore knew the requirements and types of circulation necessary. Taking elements from two previous buildings in Antwerp, he opted for a mix of neo-Romanesque and Art Deco accents. Although bathed in natural light, the synagogue is illuminated by many brass light fixtures, candelabras, chandeliers and sconces. Listed in April 2024, it still houses ritual baths (mikven).

Arch. Joseph DE LANGE, 1926 - 1933

16/03/2025