Middle Street Synagogue Welcomes Historic England & Brighton & Hove Museums

We were delighted to welcome Historic England and Brighton & Hove Museums on a visit to the historic Middle Street Synagogue in the centre of Brighton.

Middle Street Synagogue is frequently described by historians and heritage groups as a "jewel-like" masterpiece.  Indeed, there is a striking contrast between a relatively modest exterior and an exceptionally opulent, brilliantly coloured interior.

Historic England’s regional teams visited in two groups and Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation archivist Michelle Cooperman delivered talks highlighting the synagogue’s key features. In return, Historic England’s specialists shared their perceptions on the current state of the building.

Next to be hosted were members of the Community, Learning and Engagement Team at Brighton & Hove Museums. This visit was prompted by earlier discussions about how the organisations could work together in the future, ahead of a further meeting in December to explore a strategic partnership.

The Grade II* listed Synagogue, opened in 1875, ended regular services over 20 years ago.  The Foundation for Jewish Heritage entered into a partnership with the Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation, and carried out an Options Appraisal which demonstrated the potential of the site as a cultural and educational centre. Thanks to a generous grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the Foundation is now pursuing this vision, undertaking surveys and running pilot cultural and educational projects. 

Historic England has been very supportive of this initiative from the very beginning, with Alma Howell, Inspector of Historic Buildings for East and West Sussex, leading on this.  Historic England CEO Emma Squire has herself visited the building.