$25m restoration restores splendor of Temple Emanu-El.

Completed in 1929, and often described since then as the most magnificent Jewish house of worship in the world, the beautiful and historic Sanctuary of Temple Emanu-El will re-open this fall in renewed splendor, as the result of a two-year restoration designed by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP.

The work will be completed in time for the Congregation to celebrate the Holy Day season in the Sanctuary and Beth-El Chapel. A rededication ceremony will be held in December 2006, when the festival of Hanukkah commemorates the restoration of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.

Located at Fifth Avenue and 65th Street, the soaring, clear-span Sanctuary of Temple Emanu-El rises to a height of six stories, embraces a floor area of more than 11,000 s/f (enough to accommodate some 2,500 worshippers) and is everywhere characterized by its gorgeous and expertly wrought decoration: from the mosaic tiles of the pillared Ark (which evokes the form of an open Torah scroll) to the lustrous, richly colored Wheel Window (designed by Oliver Smith). But during the 75 years since its completion by architects Clarence Stein, Robert D. Kohn and Charles Butler, the Sanctuary (and the adjacent Beth-El Chapel) were never cleaned or refurbished.

Now, thanks to a $25 million effort, Beyer Blinder Belle has virtually re-created the Sanctuary and Beth-El Chapel. Newly designed light fixtures, an improved sound amplification system, modern electrical and plumbing infrastructure, and the Temple's first-ever air conditioning system have all been seamlessly integrated into the building's historic fabric. Carried out in phases, with workers first restoring Beth-El Chapel and the western half of the Sanctuary, then proceeding to the eastern half, the project encompassed restoration and rebuilding of 62 stained-glass windows; cleaning and repair of mosaic tiles and stone, metal, and wood surfaces; repainting of the intricate, multi-hued ceiling; and refurbishing of all the pews. In addition, the Congregation has carried out the reconstruction of its extraordinary pipe organ, originally built by Casavant Freres.

"From the time we first conceived of this project, some seven years ago, Beyer Blinder Belle has been with us to provide counsel and planning," says Robert A. Bernhard, former president of the Board of Trustees. "We entrusted a treasure to these architects. What they are now giving back to us, and to our heirs, is more beautiful and inspiring than ever."

"Temple Emanu-El is, without question, one of New York City's great spiritual and civic landmarks," says John H. Beyer, a founding partner of Beyer Blinder Belle and partner-in-charge of this project. "It has been an honor to preserve, restore, and improve a building that is so moving as a work of architecture, and is so important to the lives of New Yorkers."