Akron Jewish Center 🇺🇸

Located at 220 S. Balch Street, the Akron Jewish Center is a historic landmark nestled quietly in an Akron, Ohio residential neighborhood. Built in 1929 and expanded in 1951, this landmark served for over 45 years as a synagogue, community hub, and organizational headquarters. Later used as a church, it has functioned as a city-operated community center since 1985 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

You should visit to appreciate its unique architectural fusion and rich civic history. Architecturally, you can admire the original two-and-a-half-story red brick structure designed in a free Romanesque Revival style with Byzantine Revival influences, featuring a raised terra-cotta basement, low profile ornamented cornice, and a grand off-center archway decorated with stylized Old Testament figures and biblical lions. Adjacent is the 1951 Art Deco addition crafted with matching brick and Byzantine detailing. Inside, the facility historically hosted everything from athletic facilities to a 1,000-seat multipurpose auditorium with balconies and a proscenium stage.

Beyond its physical beauty, it stands as the former host of popular concerts, theatrical performances, and the renowned Akron Civic Forum, which welcomed historic figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Edward R. Murrow.

What to see at Akron Jewish Center

• Architectural blend of Romanesque Revival, Byzantine Revival, and Art Deco styles
• Grand entry archway featuring stylized Old Testament figures and biblical lions
• 1951 addition housing a 1,000-seat multipurpose auditorium with a proscenium stage
• Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1986
• Historic host site for notable speakers like Eleanor Roosevelt and Drew Pearson

Visiting tips

Take time to examine the grand main entrance on the long side of the building to spot the detailed archway featuring biblical lions and engaged columns.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Akron Jewish Center is easy to reach on Akron’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Akron Art Museum and Akron Zoo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Akron travel guide.