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The Angel Orensanz Center is an art and performance space on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York City. It was originally built as a synagogue, running through a succession of congregations and continues to be used as one occasionally. The building is located at 172 Norfolk Street, between Stanton Street and East Houston Street. It was erected in 1849, making it the oldest surviving synagogue building in New York City, and the fourth-oldest surviving synagogue building in the United States. It was the largest synagogue in the United States at the time of its construction and is one of the few built in Gothic Revival style. Spanish sculptor and painter Angel Orensanz purchased the property in 1986, about after 12 years after its last synagogue-owners had abandoned its use. He restored it and converted it into an art gallery and performance space known as the Angel Orensanz Foundation Center for the Arts. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the building as a historic landmark the following year. It subsequently became home to the Shul of New York, a liberal Reform synagogue. Its owning organizations include: Anshe Chesed Synagogue (Reform), its original builder, also known as the Norfolk Street Congregation (1849–1873) Congregation Shaari Rachmim (Gates of Mercy, Orthodox, 1873–1886) The First Hungarian Congregation Ohab Zedek (To Love Righteousness, Orthodox, 1886–1921) Sheveth Achim Anshe Slonim Synagogue (Orthodox, 1921–1974 and then abandoned) The city took ownership of the vandalized building (1981), after which it was sold to a succession of owners: Hungarian Development, Inc. (1983), Seashells, Inc. (1984), and finally Angel Lopez Orensanz (1986)
