Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is a city that offers a diverse range of cultural experiences. The city’s rich history, culture, and spirituality are all sources of inspiration that leave visitors in awe. From the ancient holy sites of the Old City to the modern city’s contemporary art galleries, theaters, music, and dance venues, Jerusalem provides a cultural feast for art, theater, dance, and music enthusiasts. The city is a fascinating blend of past and present, creating a dynamic cultural scene that’s a joy to explore.

To access our exclusive Jerusalem Treasure Map, simply click the provided link and register as a member of our magazine. This comprehensive map features all the recommendations from our guide and offers additional tips for top-rated restaurants, cafes, shops, and more. Each location is marked on the map. As a member, you’ll have the ability to view and save the map in your profile, ensuring you have all the best spots at your fingertips for your future adventures.

Art Museums:

The Israel Museum in Jerusalem serves as a landmark of art and history, showcasing a vast collection that spans from archaeological artifacts to contemporary art. Established in 1965, it is Israel’s largest cultural institution and ranks among the world’s leading art and archaeology museums. The museum’s extensive holdings include the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in the Shrine of the Book, a remarkable collection of Jewish art and life, as well as a comprehensive compilation of works from various periods and regions of the world. Its beautifully designed campus, featuring sculpture gardens and exhibition spaces, offers a panoramic view of Jerusalem. Through its dynamic exhibitions and educational programs, the Israel Museum engages visitors in the rich tapestry of human culture, making it a pivotal place of discovery and inspiration for people from all walks of life.

Ticho House in Jerusalem is a historic building turned cultural center, once home to Dr. Albert Ticho and artist Anna Ticho, key cultural figures in early 20th-century Jerusalem. Originally built in the late 19th century and acquired by the Tichos in 1924, it served as both a residence and Dr. Ticho’s eye clinic. Anna Ticho bequeathed the house and her art collection to the public upon her death in 1980. Now part of the Israel Museum, Ticho House showcases Anna’s art, hosts contemporary exhibitions, and serves as a cultural venue with a popular restaurant, reflecting Jerusalem’s rich history and cultural diversity.

The Museum on the Seam is a socio-political contemporary art museum, situated along the line that once divided East and West Jerusalem. This unique museum explores themes of coexistence, dialogue, and understanding through contemporary art, focusing on issues that transcend local conflicts to address global concerns. Housed in a building that has witnessed the complexities of Jerusalem’s history firsthand, the Museum on the Seam serves as a space for art that challenges and inspires discussions on social issues and human rights, aiming to bridge gaps and foster peace in a region marked by long-standing divisions.

The Museum for Islamic Art is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Islamic art and artifacts. The museum houses an extensive collection that spans centuries, featuring ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and notable items such as antique watches and clocks. Its exhibitions aim to highlight the rich artistic heritage of the Islamic world, emphasizing the diversity and cultural significance of Islamic art. The museum not only serves as a repository of art but also as an educational center, offering insights into the historical and cultural contexts of the Islamic civilization.

Contemporary Art Venues:

Hansen House is a historic compound that has been transformed into a center for design, media, and technology. Originally built in the 19th century as a leprosy hospital, the site has been repurposed to serve as a vibrant cultural and creative hub. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, and events that focus on innovation, design, and art, bringing together creators, entrepreneurs, and the public. The transformation of Hansen House from a medical facility into a center for creativity and innovation reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic buildings to meet contemporary cultural and social needs. Mamuta art and research center, located within the Hansen House, always has interesting contemporary art exhibitions and events. If you are planning to visit Jerusalem in June, don’t miss the extraordinary Jerusalem Design Week hosted by Hansen House.

Hamiffal (“The Factory”) in Jerusalem is an innovative art and culture project that revitalizes an abandoned historic building by transforming it into a dynamic space for creative collaboration and cultural activities. This grassroots initiative brings together artists, creators, and the community to participate in a wide range of artistic endeavors, workshops, and cultural events. Hamiffal serves as a platform for experimental art, social engagement, and community development, embodying a unique blend of history and contemporary culture. Through its activities, Hamiffal fosters an inclusive environment that encourages creativity and collective creation, making it a unique and vibrant part of Jerusalem’s cultural landscape. Learn more about Hamiffal in this beautiful explainer video.

The Jerusalem Artists House is a prominent cultural institution and gallery space, housed in a historic building that once served as the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts. Today, it functions as a vibrant center for contemporary art, showcasing the work of both established and emerging Israeli artists. The Jerusalem Artists House offers a diverse range of exhibitions, including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia art, reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of Israel’s art scene. It also serves as a meeting point for artists and art lovers, hosting lectures, workshops, and events that foster dialogue and engagement with art. By bridging historical heritage and contemporary artistic expression, The Jerusalem Artists House plays a crucial role in nurturing and promoting the arts in Jerusalem.

Feel Beit is an innovative cultural initiative located in Jerusalem, designed to serve as a vibrant hub for contemporary Middle Eastern culture and art. This unique space combines a hostel, art gallery, and cultural venue, offering a platform for artists, musicians, and creators from the region to showcase their work and engage with the public. Feel Beit aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding through a rich program of exhibitions, live music performances, workshops, and cultural events. By blending hospitality with cultural exploration, Feel Beit provides both locals and visitors with an immersive experience that celebrates the diversity and creativity of the Middle Eastern cultural landscape, making it a distinctive and enriching addition to Jerusalem’s cultural scene.

Barbur Gallery is an independent, nonprofit space for art and artists, featuring monthly exhibitions and weekly screenings, lectures, and workshops. Artists’ Studios complex in Talpiot is a center for contemporary culture that offers a rich and inspiring work environment for visual artists. The Jerusalem Print Workshop is Israel’s leading printmaking studio, producing etchings, lithographs, silk screens, and woodcuts. The workshop commissions prints, publishes books, produces exhibitions, and offers workshops. The New Gallery – Artists’ Studios Teddy is a municipal center that includes 18 workspaces available for leading artists from Israel and abroad. It also houses an active print workshop and a gallery that presents contemporary art exhibitions. In addition, the center holds a workshop program – ‘Teddy Talks & Practice’ – aimed at providing artists with practical tools that can help them in the Israeli and international art worlds. Koresh 14 Gallery is a railway housing built in the 1950s by architect Abba Elhanani, emphasizing innovative projects and exhibitions that bridge canonical art and contemporary art. Agripas 12 Gallery is an artists’ cooperative featuring works by fifteen local contemporary artists.

Theater and Performance Venues:

At the Jerusalem Theater, visitors can enjoy top-tier theatrical performances from leading theaters, independent artists, and fringe ensembles. In addition to plays, the theater also hosts dance performances by acclaimed companies from Israel and around the world, as well as concerts featuring a diverse range of musical styles. Those visiting in June should be sure to book tickets for the Israel Festival hosted by the theater. The festival’s program includes a wide variety of existing and original works in many different artistic disciplines, featuring both new and classical pieces and showcasing emerging artistic trends and stage languages.

Machol Shalem Dance House is a platform for independent contemporary dance creators in Jerusalem, while Hazira is a theater and production house for original work in the field of performance art and contemporary theater. Between Heaven and Earth is a cultural center that unites diverse groups, including dancers, musicians, artists, poets, producers, and rabbis. They work to challenge boundaries and promote cultural exchange, primarily through contemporary dance. One of the participants in this initiative is the male contemporary dance group Kaet Ensemble.

Music Venues:

For music lovers, Jerusalem is home to some of the best music venues in the country. The Yellow Submarine is a non-profit multidisciplinary center for music that is a rehearsal space, professional performance venue, and recording studio. The center produces musical events and festivals, as well as music performances by established musicians. Zappa Jerusalem is a top music venue in the capital, housed in a historic building from the British Mandate era. It hosts intimate concerts by Israeli and international artists from various genres, accompanied by kosher food and drinks.

And Beyond:

Yad Vashem, located in Jerusalem, is Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Established in 1953, it is dedicated to preserving the memory and story of each of the six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust, as well as documenting the history of the Jewish people during this period. The complex includes the Holocaust History Museum, memorial sites, such as the Children’s Memorial and the Hall of Remembrance, an extensive research center, and an education center. Yad Vashem serves as a comprehensive center for Holocaust education, documentation, and research, aiming to impart the lessons of the Holocaust, commemorate the lives lost, and honor those who stood against it.

The National Library of Israel in Jerusalem, established in 1892, stands as a premier repository for the heritage of Israel and the Jewish people, housing an extensive range of collections from rare manuscripts to Jewish texts. Recently, it underwent a significant architectural transformation with a new building designed by Herzog & de Meuron and Mann-Shinar Architects. This modern facility, adjacent to the Israel Museum, spans about 45,000 square meters over ten levels, integrating traditional library functions with innovative spaces for a digital age. The design, which reflects Jerusalem’s architectural heritage within a contemporary context, features textured concrete walls, a distinctive curved roof, and a central void linking the reading room to the library’s vast collections. Surrounded by gardens and public spaces, the revamped library aims to be a dynamic center for culture, education, and dialogue, underscoring its role in preserving and making accessible the intellectual and cultural legacy of the Jewish people.

Jerusalem Design Week is an esteemed annual design event, that serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing contemporary design across various disciplines, including industrial, graphic, fashion, and architectural design. Hosted primarily at the historic Hansen House and other venues city-wide, the event attracts a mix of local and international talent, offering exhibitions, installations, workshops, and discussions centered around a yearly theme that reflects current design trends and societal issues. It aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and dialogue among designers, professionals, and the public, while also highlighting emerging talents. Jerusalem Design Week uniquely integrates the city’s rich cultural and historical backdrop into its programming, making it a significant and inspirational gathering in the design community.

The Jerusalem Cinematheque is a prestigious cultural institution located in Jerusalem, Israel, renowned for its dedication to the art of cinema. Situated near the Old City, it offers a panoramic view of the ancient walls, providing a unique backdrop for film enthusiasts. The Cinematheque serves as a hub for cinema lovers, featuring a rich program of Israeli and international films, retrospectives, and special screenings aimed at promoting film culture and appreciation. It houses several theaters, a film archive, and educational facilities. A highlight of its annual calendar is the Jerusalem Film Festival, one of the most significant film events in the country. This festival showcases a diverse selection of films from around the world, including premieres, documentaries, and classics, alongside competitions and awards for filmmaking excellence.

The Manofim Festival, an annual highlight in Jerusalem showcasing its thriving contemporary art scene. This grassroots initiative brings together artists, galleries, and the public in a city-wide celebration of art and creativity. Through a diverse array of activities, including exhibitions, performances, open studios, and art tours across various venues, Manofim provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to display their work. The festival aims to foster dialogue and engagement, enhancing the visibility of contemporary art in Jerusalem and promoting cultural enrichment.

The Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, established in 1906, stands as Israel’s premier institution for art and design education, fostering innovation and creativity across various disciplines. Renowned for its comprehensive programs, distinguished faculty, and vibrant campus life, Bezalel plays a crucial role in the cultural and artistic development of the country. A highlight of its academic calendar is the final exhibition of graduates, a public event that showcases the diverse and innovative works of students in fields ranging from fine arts to architecture. This exhibition not only marks the culmination of the students’ academic journey but also offers visitors a glimpse into the future of creative industries, highlighting the academy’s commitment to excellence and the promotion of new talent.

Are you planning a trip to Israel and seeking the best cultural gems, from its northernmost points to its southernmost corners? Look no further! Explore the comprehensive Culture Treasure travel guide to Israel for insider tips on top galleries, museums, and theaters in the country’s most unexpected destinations. Discover Israel’s rich artistic heritage and vibrant contemporary creative scene. Make your visit truly unforgettable with our expertly curated recommendations.