11 Best Performing Arts in Jerusalem, Israel

This space houses various rotating exhibits, workshops, and lectures. It also serves as a home base for the annual Manofim Jerusalem Contemporary Art Festival and for local and visiting artists in residence.

This historical arts center is home base for two excellent local contemporary dance companies, Vertigo and Kolben. Additionally, the complex hosts an annual roster of independent theater, dance, musical productions, children's shows, art exhibitions, artist workshops, and festivals. Historically, it's known as the venue where Nazi officer Adolph Eichmann was put on trial in 1961, convicted of crimes against humanity, and sentenced to the death penalty.

Run by a local collective of 50 multidisciplinary artists, this meeting place is housed in a 140-year-old abandoned estate behind the Waldorf Astoria that has been renovated into a cultural and artistic center. The factory produces and hosts exhibitions, concerts, parties, concept events, culinary events, and workshops.

The local and international crafts and lively concerts presented at this festival are a highlight of August. Located in the Sultan's Pool, an ancient reservoir in the Hinnom Valley beneath the walls of the Old City, the two-week event showcases crafts by Israeli and international artisans and features open-air concerts by top Israeli rock and pop performers. 

Top local and international musicians, theater companies, performers, and artists participate in this dynamic annual festival, usually held for two weeks in either early June or September. Styles range from classical to avant-garde. The Jerusalem Theatre is the main venue, but several locations around the city get some of the smaller acts.

This world-renowned orchestra, which is based in Tel Aviv, performs locally at the International Convention Center, opposite the Yitzhak Navon train station. The venue also hosts traveling art exhibits and musicians from around the world.

Specializing in old, rare, and art films as well as more contemporary fare, this complex has four theaters, a café, and splendid views of the Old City and the Hinnom Valley from the terrace. Its monthly programs focus on specific directors, actors, or subjects. The annual Jerusalem Film Festival, held in July, attracts large crowds, as does December's Jewish Film Festival.

Held in July each year, this festival attracts large crowds for screenings of Israeli and international films. Some screenings and the awards ceremony are held at the Cinematheque, while other screenings are at a number of venues throughout the city. Reserve tickets in advance.

Also known as Mekudeshet, this group of Israelis and Palestinians work together to offer artistic and musical productions from their home base—known as Feel Beit on the Jerusalem Sherover Promenade. They seek change for all residents of Jerusalem, and put on events several times a year at Feel Beit, its terrace, or on nearby sections of the Sherover Promenade.

Set in a former stable, this intimate venue offers local productions in Hebrew and some special events in English. There's a beautiful courtyard and a charming coffee shop and bar.

This popular music venue hosts the country's top jazz, rock, and pop performers. Small and intimate, it's a great place to see Israel's best musicians close up. Dinner and drinks are usually available. Posters around town announce upcoming concerts.