Tel Aviv Yafo, the artistic and cultural capital of Israel, which was built as a dream on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea – the First Jewish City – has developed into a bustling metropolis that is full of life, and is now on UNESCO’s list of heritage sites, under the title of the White City. The Art Tour through the city’s streets connects the development of Israeli art and culture over time with changes in urban and environmental planning.
In this tour, we will look at what remains of the original design of the First Jewish City, and of its draconian laws, and how the local culture dealt with its Middle-Eastern, Israeli identity, in counterpoint to the desire to be part of the modern culture of the West.
The tour passes through important cultural points of interest in the city, such as the renewed Habima theater complex and Orchestra Square, the Zavta Museum Square, the Cultural Square which is home to the Israeli Opera, the Cameri Theater and the Tel Aviv Museum with its impressive new wing, and ends at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque.
Along the way, we will learn the stories of the street sculptures, we will discover the messages behind the works, and the importance of their location around the city.
Night Tour
Tel Aviv by day is not Tel Aviv by night – at night, the Art Tour takes on a different kind of magic.
We will see how the city’s streets transition from being urban spaces to architectural art exhibits. Using well-designed lighting, the shadow-play creates a dramatic atmosphere on the buildings, streets and sculptures. And in the background, the fast pace of life of passers-by switching their day clothes and business suits for their evening finery, in order to go out and savor the vibrant night-life.
For those wishing to experience the city into the night, the tour ends at Ibn Gvirol St., which is full of restaurants, bars and cafes.
An art workshop can be added at the end of the tour, which can serve as a way for a group to sum up the tour of Israeli art and culture in Tel Aviv.