The restoration of the synagogue of Žilina in Slovakia was funded with a campaign which promised donors “immortality”. The names of the 3.000 people who contributed a significant amount were incorporated in a musical composition which is being played continuously by loudspeakers built in the ventilation system. It can be heard when pressing one’s ear against the walls.
The campaign attracted a fair bit of attention because of the controversial slogan ‘Buy Immortality’ which in turn helped attract more donors.
The Žilina synagogue was designed by the German architect Peter Behrens and built in 1928-31. It was renovated in 2017 to house a modern art gallery.
Read more (in English) at Jewish Heritage Europe.
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