Founded by the eponymous Wolf Popper and completed in 1620, the synagogue served as a house of prayer until it went into decline after the passing of its founder and chief benefactor.

Its entrance was once adorned with openwork doors depicting four animals: an eagle, a leopard, a lion, and a buck deer, which symbolize the main traits of a devout man.

In the ensuing renovation, most traces of its previous religious role were erased and the Old Town Youth Cultural Centre (YCC) was established in its place.

[3][2] At present, the Centre is a vibrant and busy place with long-running programs, educational activities, art studio, and classes in Jewish dance.

An annual competition in art and photography is being held there as well as lectures on Jewish Kazimierz, the Holocaust, and a series of film showings.