With more than 230 museums spread across a relatively small plot of land along the Mediterranean, Israel has more museums per capita than anywhere else in the world. And over the summer a slew of new openings have only added to that number.
From sculpture exhibits in restored Ottoman buildings to the country’s first natural history museum, these new or revamped museums and galleries are worth the trip.
The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History
Tel Aviv’s first museum dedicated to biodiversity opened its doors this summer. The elevated ark-shaped timber structure, completed by Kimmel Eshkolot Architects, spans 100,000 square-feet and presents Tel Aviv University’s collection of nature and scientific findings to the public for the first time—and that's no small feat, with over 5 million specimens on display. Klausner St 12, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Terra Sancta Museum’s New Archeology Wing
Archeology fiends, retrace the biblical age at the Terra Sancta Museum’s new six-room wing in Jerusalem. The opening exhibit, The House of Herod: Life and Power in the Age of the New Testament, showcases more than 300 artifacts from the time of Herod the Great to the VI Century, and itself, a reconstruction of the original living quarters of Jesus. Via Dolorosa St 1, Jerusalem
Gordon Gallery
After 40 years on the buzzing Ben Yehuda Street in Tel Aviv, contemporary art space Gordon Gallery made its way south to the rapidly changing industrial neighborhood bordering Jaffa. Nestled between a barber and a synagogue, the modern space designed by Asaf Gottesman + GSArch launches with two solo exhibits for painter Ofer Lalush. 5 Hazerem St, Tel Aviv
Nirit Levav Packer Gallery
This contemporary art and design opening is a sleek transformation and restoration of an original Ottoman building, once housing the horse stables of the historic Kahn Hotel. Nirit Levav Packer Gallery includes artist Levav Packer’s signature large-scale sculptures from her From Within and Unchained exhibitions—exclusively made from recycled raw materials and metals, such as bicycle chains and light bulbs. Beit Eshel 9 st. Jaffa
Alon Segev Gallery
After nine years on Rothschild Boulevard, the new Alon Segev Gallery made its way south. Intended for art of all mediums: sculpture, painting, drawing and site-specific installations. First up, LA artist Joel Morrison, known for his fiberglass and stainless steel sculptures. 7 HaManoa St, Jaffa
