‘Open House’ Offers A Glimpse Into Tel Aviv’s Most Beautiful Homes

By Einat Paz-Frankel, NoCamels May 23, 2016 5 minutes

sea one 42 herbert samuel street. Courtesy

Open House Tel-Aviv, a city-wide event taking place May 26-28, will give the public a one-of-its-kind opportunity to visit some of the most extraordinary houses and buildings in Tel Aviv, Israel, which is known for its Bauhaus style.

“Now, you can discover the city from within its most private spaces, and get to know it inside and out,” according to the City of Tel Aviv.

Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv via WikiCommon

As in previous years, Open House Tel-Aviv will showcase dozens of interesting homes, unique apartments and public buildings, all distinct in their architectural design. Dozens of walking tours will be offered throughout the city, free of charge. Some tours and venues, however, require prior registration.

During the event, city planners will also unveil the seven finalists in the competition to redesign Rabin Square, which is considered Israel’s most prominent public space for demonstrations, and Tel Aviv’s main city square.

Chyutin Architects’ proposed design for Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square. Courtesy

Open House Tel Aviv, which started in 2007, was inspired by the Open Houses held in London and in New York. Tel-Aviv, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to its concentration of buildings designed in the International Style, possesses many other architectural qualities in addition to its spirited urban energy.

The event provides “exposure to scores of young architects and designers whose projects are characterized by original thinking, innovative use of raw materials and/or a commitment to preserving the environment,” according to Open House Worldwide, the umbrella organization that collaborates on the event with the City of Tel Aviv (and dozens of other cities around the globe).

With roughly 150 open houses, tours, activities and bike rides, this three-day event will feature some of the most stunning spaces in Tel Aviv. NoCamels highlights a few of them:

The Peres Center for Peace

Designed by Massimiliano Fuksas and Yoav Messer Architects, The Peres Center for Peace is considered one of the most interesting buildings erected in Israel in recent years. The tour will provide an opportunity to get a feel for this special building and watch a presentation about its architectural concept and construction process.

The tours will also include a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the life of former Israeli president Shimon Peres and his efforts to achieve peace in the Middle Est, as well as artifacts dating back to the State of Israel’s early days that belong to his personal archive.

The Peres Center for Peace is located at 132 Kedem St. on the Jaffa coast. Tours will start every hour, May 27, 11 am – 3 pm.

Peres Center for Peace. Courtesy

The Rivka Grinwald House (Alma Home)

Designed by architect Yehuda Magidovich in 1929 and preserved by architect Amnon Bar Or in 2010, this beautiful villa is now used by Alma, Home for the Hebrew Culture.

Alma Home. Courtesy

The house was originally built for diplomats Rivka and Victor Grinwald. Their home was a social center in the early days of Tel Aviv. It is known for its architectural details, multicolored flooring, magnificent frescos, and carpentry made by a skilled artisan.

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Following the architectural tour, participants will meet Tamar Pariente, Grinwald’s granddaughter, who will share memories from her grandmother’s home.

The villa is located on 4 Shadal St. Tour: May 27, 11 am.

Cinema Hotel

Also designed by Magidovich (in 1939), and renovated by architect Aryeh Debilanski in recent years, Cinema Hotel is a Bauhaus building that used to house the legendary Esther Cinema. Now, it is a boutique hotel. Using original posters and brochures from the 50s, the hotel preserves thematic elements from the former movie theater.

The tour will include preserved spaces and a collection of cameras, projectors and posters that are on permanent display. Visitors will also get a glimpse of some rooms in the hotel and can go up to the balcony that overlooks Dizengoff Square.

Cinema Hotel is located on 1 Zamenhoff St., Dizengoff Square. Tours will be given throughout the weekend. Reservations are required.

Cinema Hotel. Courtesy

Luxury apartments on 42 Herbert Samuel St.

The event will also provide a chance to visit two upscale apartments that overlook the Mediterranean Sea: One Art Deco apartment designed in shades of black and white with works of art by Keren Anavy and ceramics artist Batya Malka, and one eclectic apartment whose design was inspired by famed fashion designer Missoni, which contains colorful works of art by glass artist Chihuly. Interior design: Iris Rosenheimer.

Tours: May 26-28

SeaOne 42 Herbert Samuel. Courtesy

A renovated apartment in Ramat Aviv

A renovated apartment, located in the neighborhood Ramat Aviv, will open its doors to the public May 27-28. Originally built in the 50’s inside a tenement building, it has a view of a pastoral grove. After undergoing extensive renovations, the apartment is now home to the designers and their two-year-old daughter, and also serves as their studio.

The new design incorporates pine wood elements that function as partitions, as well as works of art, graphics and prints made by street artists and the apartment owners.

Interior design: Dana Gutman and Rotem Solarchik (Studio 37).

16 Noah St., Apt. 2, May 27, 10:30 am – 1 pm; May 28, 11 am – 1:30 pm.