Built in 1927 by the Berlin architects Imberg and Friedman and opened formally with the bringing in of the Torah on September 25 of the same year, Gdańsk's New Synagogue in the district of Wrzeszcz, was primarily used by Jewish refugees from Russia and Wielkopolska, but also served a small number of Gdańsk Jews as well. Damaged by the Nazis on 'Kristallnacht' (November 1938), the Jewish community sold the property to the city of Danzig in a bid to stave off further destruction. Although it was promptly turned into a furniture warehouse, the ploy did save the building from the fiery fate suffered by most of the region’s synagogues. Amazingly the Torah scrolls survived and it was handed back to Gdańsk’s surviving Jewish population following the war. Today, it serves as a base for the Jewish Community and along with a small prayer room, there is a small but fascinating free exhibition dedicated to the history of Jews in 20th century Gdansk/Danzig. Services are always at 09:30, however you must call beforehand if you wish to participate. Don't be surprised if you have to bang hard on the door and ask to be let in, even during the official opening hours we list.