Central Synagogue

652 Lexington Avenue,

123 E.55th Street, New York
1872

Islamic / Moorish Architecture

Architect: Henry Fernbach

A.Marie Perez
Architecture History
Andre Bideau
Henry Fernbach
• Designed the synagogue in 1872
• Building was reconstructed after a
major fire in 1998 by F.J. Sciame
Construction
• Known for synagogue construction
• Nicknamed America’s first Jewish
Architect
• Also built several buildings in the
SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District
Fire Damage
Central Synagogue shows some similarities to the Great Synagogue in Budapest

Great Synagogue, Budapest Central Synagogue, New York

Utilizes the condition of class to exploit the flow of light through
Geometric intricacies or the use of stained glass

Aniconic found in the exterior of the façade associated with religion rather
Than a heroic depiction if religious figures.

Repetition of sets of three found with in the stacked horseshoe

Arches both in the interior and exterior as well as three secondary
Entrances into the building

Has two turrets in the front reflective of Byzantine architecture

Interior is richly coloured and stenciled with similar arabesque,

or intricate pattern of interlaced line decorations of the exterior.

Intricate tiling keeping with the pattern of interlaced line.