Museums and galleries in Tel Aviv

Museums and galleries in Tel Aviv

1. SeeNorth

   ANU - Museum of the Jewish People

   This multimedia museum tells the story of the 2000 years of Jewish life throughout the entire world. It’s less about history and more about people: how the lived, worked, celebrated or prayed. A must-see if you like to know more about Jewish heritage. It was known as the Museum of Jewish Diaspora (Beth Hatefutsoth in Hebrew) until 2021, when it reopened after a remodel and re-brand.

   Sun-Thu 10:00-16:00·Adults: ₪35, including audio guiding

2. SeeCenter

   Ben-Gurion House

   Home of Prime Minister David Ben Gurion from 1931-1968, and the place where Israel's Declaration of Independence was written. Now it is a museum focusing on Ben Gurion's life.

3. SeeCenter

   Bialik House

   Home of Hayim Nahman Bialik, Israel's national poet. Now a museum dedicated to Bialik's life.

4. SeeNorth

   Eretz Israel Museum

   History, archaeology and culture - includes the archaeological site of Tel Qasile, the remains of an early Philistine settlement. In addition the museum has a Planetarium.

   Mon Wed Sat 10:00-16:00, Tue Thu 10:00-20:00, Fri 10:00-14:00·Museum/Planetarium+Museum - Adult: ₪42/74, Student & Soldier: ₪28/60, Children under 18: Free/₪32

5. SeeCenter

   Etzel 1948 museum

   A separate museum which focuses on Etzel/Irgun military operations in 1948, especially the conquest of northern Jaffa, including the current location of this museum.

6. SeeCenter

   Etzel museum

   Very detailed history of the Etzel (Irgun) movement and their operations, also includes a short film. This museum tells the overall story of Etzel starting in the 1930s and ending in 1948.

   Sun-Thu 08:00-16:00

7. SeeCenter

   Former Israel Defense Forces History Museum

   Batei HaOsef

   This used to be a museum of old military vehicles, but in 2019 the contents were moved to Yad LaShiryon museum in Latrun. It's mentioned here so that you don't mistakenly visit it based on old recommendations from elsewhere.

8. BuyCenter

   Gallery 97 Tel Aviv

   Located in the heart of Tel Aviv, Gallery97 specializes in superior quality Israeli and Jewish art. A modern art gallery, concentrating on purchasing and selling artworks from Ecole de Paris and Jewish artists of the 20th century.

   Sun-Thu 11:00-19:00, Fri 12:00- 15:00

9. SeeCenter

   Haganah Museum

   Recounting the fascinating story of the embryonic Israel Defence Force, from British Mandate days to Israeli independence in 1948 and beyond, lots of interesting artifacts, weapons and memorabilia.

   Sun-Thu 09:00-16:00, Fri 09:00-12:00·₪15/10 adults/concessions

10. SeeCenter

    Helena Rubinstein Pavilion

    Displays temporary exhibitions from the nearby Museum of Art. Same hours, free entry with museum ticket.

11. SeeCenter

    Independence Hall

    Dizengoff House

    In accordance with its name, Independence Hall is the place where the Israeli Declaration of Independence was proclaimed by David Ben-Gurion on 14 May 1948, thus officially establishing the modern State of Israel. Though essentially nondescript on the outside; inside, visitors can see the actual hall itself, watch a short documentary film, and view several artifacts in the small museum.

    Sun-Thu 09:00-14:00

12. SeeCenter

    Jabotinsky Institute

    Small museum all about the life of Ze'ev Jabotinsky. Features a film about a clandestine immigration operation and a few cases showing his personal effects.

    Mon-Fri 08:00 to 16:00

13. SeeCenter

    Joseph Bau House

    A museum run by the daughters of Joseph Bau, an artist who saved many lives during the Holocaust and is featured in the movie "Schindler's List". The daughters give an original and uplifting presentation describing their parents' lives in the context of the Holocaust.

14. SeeSouth and East

    Lehi Museum

    A museum describing the right-wing Lehi militia which operated between 1940-1948. This building was the hiding place of Lehi leader Avraham Stern when he was killed by British police in 1942.

15. SeeCenter

    Museum of Illusions

    A museum of optical illusions, including fun 3D ones like the Ames room that you can walk into.

16. SeeCenter

    Neve Tzedek

    A historical part of town with art galleries and restaurants.

17. SeeJaffa

    Old Jaffa Museum

    This complex, built in the 13th century, was the Ottoman government headquarters. It is used for art exhibitions.

18. SeeNorth

    Palmach Museum

    The most interesting and gripping of Tel Aviv's military museums, it teaches the history of the Palmach, the main elite branch of Israel's military in 1948. There are no traditional exhibits, rather, you experience a 90 min interactive presentation as part of a group.

19. SeeNorth

    Steinhardt Museum of Natural History

    Opened in summer 2018, mainly aimed at children, various fauna & flora and eco-exhibits.

    Mon Wed 10:00-16:00, Tue Thu Sat 10:00-18:00, Fri 10:00-14:00

20. SeeCenter

    Tel Aviv Museum of Art

    The city's main art gallery focuses on modern and contemporary work. Changing exhibitions are housed here, in the Rubinstein Pavilion and in the Amir Building. (Enter via the Amir as the main frontage and entrance are being rebuilt.) The children's basement is great fun and not just for kids. Within the same complex is the Golda Meir Center of Performing Arts, hosting opera, ballet, and theatre (see "Do"). The city library is also here.

    Mon Wed Sat 10:00-18:00, Tue Thu 10:00-21:00, Fri 10:00-14:00·Adult ₪50, concession ₪35

21. SeeNorth

    Tel Aviv University

    You can walk around a bit to see how the Israeli student looks like. The university gallery sometimes features interesting exhibitions. The newly built Smolarsh Auditorium is nicknamed The Atomic Reactor, due to its strange shape. The red-brick synagogue is referred to as The Petrol Distillery because its resemblance to the country main distilleries north of Haifa.

22. SeeNorth

    Yitzhak Rabin Center

    A museum dedicated to the life of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, and the political and social development of Israel as a whole. The center is involved in educational activities, which mostly help young Israelis prepare to contribute to a democratic and tolerant society.

23. SeeJaffa

    Zodiac alleys

    A network of restored alleys, full of art galleries, which lead to the Jaffa seaport. The alleys are named after the signs of the zodiac.

24. DrinkJaffa Not mapped

    Leo 5

    Located beneath the Ilana Goor Museum on the top of the hill, this bar is a great place to hang out. The owner is most generous and boasts a wide array of rock and roll memorabilia. You'll probably be able to hear the bar before you see it.

25. BuyCenter

    Egozi Gallery

    Gallery and an auction house for art and antiques.

26. BuyCenter

    Gordon Gallery

    Contemporary art by local artists.

27. SeeCenter

    Gutman Art Museum

    Focuses on the work of painter and sculptor Nachum Gutman.

28. SeeCenter

    Museum of the History of Tel Aviv-Yafo

    Beit Ha'ir

    A city history museum, housed in the old City Hall building.

29. BuySouth and East

    Raw Art Gallery

    3 Shvil Ha'Meretz Street, Building 8, 4th Floor

30. SeeCenter

    Rubin Museum of Art

    An exhibition of the art of Israeli painter Reuven Rubin.

31. BuyCenter

    Sommer Gallery

    Young contemporary art by Israeli and international artists.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Tel Aviv (CC BY-SA 4.0).