Israel’s largest architecture event, Open House, returns to Tel Aviv-Yafo from May 7 to 9. The 2026 program marks 20 years of the initiative and 50 years of the Tel Aviv Foundation, bringing together architectural treasures, historical tours and rare glimpses into the city’s future.
Around 185 sites will open free of charge over three days. To help visitors navigate the extensive program, here are the highlights:
The Tel Aviv Foundation Reveals What Comes Next
The foundation, a driving force behind numerous social and physical projects across the city, takes center stage with several special events:
- The Jubilee Is Only the Beginning: A gathering at the Music Center Auditorium (10 She’erit Yisrael Street), where architects will present upcoming flagship projects: restoration of the Great Synagogue, Afeka’s new campus and Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital at Sde Dov. (Saturday, 9.5, 11:00 – advance registration required).
- Philanthropy and Urbanism: A morning of talks and spoken-word performances at Felicja House (26 Bialik Street), addressing mental health in urban spaces, gender equality and restorative architecture. (Friday, 8.5, 11:00 – advance registration required).
- Urban95: A Ramat Aviv tour examining the city from a height of 95 centimeters, approximately the height of a three-year-old. How can a city be designed to be safe and welcoming for young children? The tour visits the GinTaF complex. (Thursday, 7.5, 10:30 – open tour).
Sports and the Big City
Tel Aviv encourages an active lifestyle, and the program offers a look at where the action happens:
- Menora Mivtachim Arena: A rare look behind the scenes, including NBA-standard locker rooms, ice baths and access to the court. (Thursday 7.5 and Friday 8.5 – first 40 visitors).
- Bloomfield Skyfield: An adventure sports park on the stadium roof, featuring bungee activities, a zip line and a suspended course above a former “white elephant” transformed into a tourist attraction. (Thursday and Friday – advance registration required).
- National Velodrome: The striking Olympic cycling stadium in Hadar Yosef, with wooden tracks sloping at angles of up to 45 degrees. (Thursday 10:00, Friday 10:30 – first 25 visitors).
- Marine Sports Center (Dolphinarium Beach): A new building with sea-facing stands and a community center. (Thursday, 10:00 and 12:00 – first 40 visitors).
An Urban Journey Through Time
- Mazeh Water Tower: The landmark marks its 100th anniversary. Visitors can discover the history of the eclectic building, which served as a classroom, youth club and even a Haganah headquarters. (Thursday and Friday, 10:00-16:00 – open house).
- The First Broadcasting House: The declaration of the State of Israel was broadcast from the building at 114 Moshe Dayan Road. Visitors can hear about the transmitters operated secretly under the British authorities’ noses. (Thursday and Friday – first 30 visitors).
- Jaffa’s Saraya Building: A rare opportunity to visit the former Ottoman government house in Clock Square, recently returned to municipal control and planned as a cultural center. (Thursday and Friday – advance registration required).
- KKL House: The building where Israel’s Declaration of Independence was drafted in the heart of the White City. (Thursday afternoon – advance registration required).
More Glimpses of the Future
- Tank Farm (Reading): A tour of one of the city’s most intriguing areas facing transformation, where industrial tanks are planned to become an innovation center and an urban nature site at the Yarkon estuary. (Thursday, 17:00 – open tour).
- Where Are You Headed? How a City Is Designed: An evening of talks at the Engineering Administration building (5 Pilon Street) about Tel Aviv’s strategic plan for 2035.
And More
Other highlights include a tour of Gagon in Jaffa, the only building in Israel designed specifically for the city’s homeless population; the new country club at Shuk HaAliya, combining historic architecture with modern pools; and a tour of Kiryat HaMelacha revealing the rougher, creative side of south Tel Aviv.
The essential details:
- When: May 7-9, 2026.
- Where: Across the city.
- Price: Free.
- Registration: Some tours require advance registration through the event website. Spaces can fill within minutes.
- Event website: here
- Tip: The DigiTel app is recommended for additional benefits and updates.
