Arhitect Igor Fança and José Almeida

Restoration of the Sahar Hassamain Synagogue, prior to its inauguration in April 2015

Future office

Two arched windows overlooking the sanctuary were recently uncovered

New Floors

First Floor, mikveh area.

Pine floors

Detail of interior door

Restored and primed

Matching colors

Interior door

Entry to sanctuary

The arched entry to the sanctuary in the restoration process

Sanctuary

Restoration work is about to start on the Sanctuary.

Tones and Hues

The restoration work includes using the original colors and tones found in the synagogue

Entry to the exhibit hall

Tedious work

Restoration is tedious work involving several steps and small parts

José Mello

Dr. Mello is happy to see the progress

Patio

Tabernacle stones

Cleaning and resetting the Tabernacle stones.

The Kitchen

The former kitchen area is ready for paint

Collumn Detail

Supporting the newly uncovered arched windows.

Stones

The Tabernacle stones, possibly imported from Russia in the 1800s.

Stairs

The stone stairs leading to second floor have their paint removed and ready for another cleaning.

Working

A crew of several workers restore the synagogue

Windows

Patio windows

First floor leased space

Stairs

From the Sanctuary

The sky blue is tested on the wall of the Sanctuary

Yellow

Matching the yellow of the kitchen to an old piece of plaster

Outside

Outside remains as always

Sanding the floors

The floors are being prepared for finish

Natural Light

Architect takes advantage of the natural light to brighten the inside

Street View

Rua do Brum seen from a second floor window.

Heavenly Light

Stunning rays of light flood the building from all around it.

Restroom

One of the restrooms being built to accommodate visitors

Patio

A view from the Patio

Exhibit

The museum exhibit will be located here

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Doors

The Sanctuary doors will be restored

Third Floor Patio

Skylight

Beautiful natural light illuminates the gallery

Details

Architect Igor França going over the details with inspector and engineer.

Ceiling

The ceiling is ready for the chandelier

Blue

Blue, is the color of the santuary

José Mello

Dr. José Mello, the driving force behind the restoration project, explains the process to uncover the windows, and how large sheets of glass will offer safety.

Surveying

Dr. Mello surveys the Sanctuary from the women's gallery. Notice the natural light coming from above.