Tel Aviv Museum of Art brings Israeli and international works together on Shaul HaMelech Boulevard in central Tel Aviv. Its collection ranges from Impressionist paintings and Old Masters to modern and contemporary art, with works by Chagall, Renoir and Picasso among the names to look for. You can also explore photography, architecture and design, and changing exhibitions. The angular Herta and Paul Amir building is a draw in its own right, while the sculpture garden and children’s displays add variety to a visit. Allow time to explore more than one gallery.
Israeli and international collections
The museum was founded in 1932 by Tel Aviv’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff. It began in his home on Rothschild Boulevard and moved to its current site on Shaul HaMelech Boulevard in 1971. Today, its collections cover Israeli and international art, with works ranging from the 16th century to the present and a particular focus on modern and contemporary art.
The Israeli art collection includes work by local artists from the early 20th century onward. Elsewhere, international galleries bring together European and American art, including Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Look out for works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso and Chagall. The museum also has Old Masters, prints and drawings, photography, sculpture, and galleries devoted to architecture and design.
Collections and temporary exhibitions provide different ways into the museum’s broad range of art. If a particular artist or exhibition is your priority, check the current displays before setting out; the programme changes over time.
The buildings and the art inside
The museum’s architecture is part of the visit. Its Herta and Paul Amir building, designed by Preston Scott Cohen, opened in 2011. Its angular form uses geometric panels, while the galleries are arranged to bring light into the interior. The newer building sits alongside the original museum building, which dates from the site’s 1971 opening.
Inside, you can move between international and Israeli collections as well as exhibitions in photography, architecture and design. The museum also presents temporary shows, so there may be something new to see alongside the permanent displays. Among the more distinctive material in the collection is the Alois Breyer group of early 20th-century prints and architectural drawings of Ukrainian wooden synagogues, which were destroyed during the Second World War.
Allow a few hours if you want to spend time with the galleries rather than make a quick pass through. Audio guides and maps are available with admission, which can help you plan your route through the collections.
A visit with children
The museum has displays and activities that can make an art visit more accessible for children. Helena Rubinstein’s Miniature Rooms are one family-friendly stop, and children’s exhibitions have included displays about birds and NFTs. The museum also has a restaurant and facilities for families, including changing tables.
Children under 18 enter free. The collection ranges from familiar modern artists to contemporary works, giving families different kinds of galleries to explore. Check the museum’s website for current exhibitions and activities before visiting, as displays and programmes can change.
After the galleries, take a look at the garden behind the museum building. The museum is at Sderot Sha'ul HaMelech St 27, within central Tel Aviv, and its on-site facilities include a restaurant. The weekly schedule includes later closing on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so those days can give you more time for an evening visit.
FAQ
Where is Tel Aviv Museum of Art?
It is at Sderot Sha'ul HaMelech St 27 in Tel Aviv-Yafo.
How long should I spend at Tel Aviv Museum of Art?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours to explore the galleries and collections.
Do children pay admission?
Children under 18 enter free.
Is Tel Aviv Museum of Art open on Sundays?
No. The museum is closed on Sundays.
Can I buy tickets at the museum?
Yes. Tickets are available at the museum, and online purchase is also suggested.
