4 Best Sights in Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Fodor's choice

This museum houses a fine collection of Israeli and international art, including changing exhibits as well as a permanent section with works by prominent Jewish artists like Marc Chagall and Roy Lichtenstein. There's also an impressive French impressionist collection and many sculptures by Aleksandr Archipenko. The Herta and Paul Amir Building, designed by Preston Scott Cohen, is a dramatic, light-filled modern addition to the 1971 main building. The gift shop sells unique pieces of jewelry and other items that make memorable souvenirs. Visiting on Saturday is a great option, as many other places are closed for the Sabbath.

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Gutman Museum

In the 1920s, a number of Tel Aviv's most famous writers lived in this building, whose renovations have somewhat obscured its original look. One of the first houses in Neve Tzedek, the building now displays the art of Nahum Gutman, colorful chronicler of early Tel Aviv. Tours in English are available by appointment.

Ilana Goor Museum

Veteran Israeli artist Ilana Goor works and resides in this restored 18th-century house with romantic stone arches and high ceilings. She's turned part of it into a museum showcasing more than 500 works of art—both from Israel and throughout the world—including her own works. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, video art, ethnic art, antiques, drawings, and design items. A gift shop occupies part of the complex. Every Friday at noon, a guided tour is available to all visitors, covered by the museum admission fee.

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Rubin Museum

Recognized as one of Israel's major painters, Reuven Rubin (1893–1974) bequeathed his house to Tel Aviv along with 45 of his works, which make up the permanent collection here. The house, built in 1930, is now an art gallery, with changing exhibits by Israeli artists. Upstairs is a small but well-stocked library where you can pore over press clippings and browse through books. A moving audiovisual presentation tells the story of Rubin's life, and his original studio can still be seen on the third floor.