Independence hall is the site of the signing of Israel’s Declaration of Independence and where David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel.
Originally, this was the site where 66 families gathered in 1909 on sand dunes to receive plots of land in what was the start of the city of Tel Aviv.
It was also where Zionist leader and first mayor of Tel Aviv, Meir Dizengoff built his home.
After his wife passed, Dizengoff donated his house to the city to create the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
It was in the art museum’s hall that, on Friday, May 14, 1948 – only hours before the termination of the British Mandate – the creation of the State of Israel was declared.
Here Ben-Gurion gave his stirring speech, read and signed Israeli’s declaration of independence, and sang Hatikva.
Today the site of scene has been recreated precisely as it was on that historic day.
Names of the dignitaries who attended the ceremony on the stage and chairs and most of the art displayed at the time as part of the museum’s collection, remain on the walls.
Next the hall there is a room with objects and documents related to the declaration ceremony.
In addition, you can listen to the original recording of the ceremony and watch a movie describing the events of the period and the history of the house.
Tours are given the public which discuss the history of the building, the founding of Tel-Aviv, the story of the declaration of independence ceremony, and the dramatic events that led to it.
The tour includes a description presentation delivered in the declaration hall.
As part of the tour you can listen to rare recordings from the day of declaration ceremony, including Ben Gurion’s speech, Rabbi Fishman’s greetings, and the Philharmonic Orchestra’s playing of Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem.
For visiting hours and ticket prices see the Independence Hall webpage.