The year 2015 marks the 175th Anniversary of Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden. As part of the commemoration, architect Ben Ledbetter will host a guided tour of its outstanding art and architecture on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. The synagogue was designed in the 1950’s by architects Fritz Nathan and Bertram Bassuk, and it features beautiful stained glass windows by well-known artists Jean-Jacques Duval and Robert Pinart. Also in the main sanctuary are a large Menorah tapestry and an original drawing of Maimonides by the famous artist Ben Shahn, who also created a 25 foot high mosaic ark to hold the Torahs. The exhibit also includes additional pieces by Ben Shahn, as well as many paintings, prints and pieces of sculpture by other Jewish artists.

The presentation is open to the public and free of charge.