Israel’s largest architecture event, Batim MiBifnim – Open House Tel Aviv – returns to Tel Aviv-Yafo from May 7 to May 9, 2026. The program marks 20 years of the initiative and the 50th anniversary of the Tel Aviv Foundation, with architectural landmarks, historical tours and rare previews of the city’s future.
About 185 sites will open free of charge over three days. These are some of the program’s main highlights:
The Tel Aviv Foundation Looks to the Future
The foundation, which supports numerous social and physical projects across the city, is at the center of several special events:
- The Jubilee Is Only the Beginning: A session at the Music Center auditorium at 10 She’erit Yisrael Street, where architects will present upcoming flagship projects, including the restoration of the Great Synagogue, Afeka’s new campus and the Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital at Sde Dov. Saturday, May 9, at 11:00; advance registration required.
- Philanthropy and Urbanism: A morning of lectures and spoken-word performances at Beit Felicja, 26 Bialik Street, covering mental health in urban spaces, gender equality and restorative architecture. Friday, May 8, at 11:00; advance registration required.
- Urban95: A tour of Ramat Aviv examining the city from a height of 95 centimeters – the approximate height of a 3-year-old child. The tour explores how to design a safe, child-friendly city and includes the Gintaf complex. Thursday, May 7, at 10:30; open tour.
Sports and the City
Tel Aviv promotes sports, and several venues will offer a look behind the scenes:
- Menora Mivtachim Arena: Rare access to its designed backstage areas, including NBA-standard locker rooms, ice baths and access to the court. Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8; admission for the first 40 visitors.
- Bloomfield Skyfield: An adventure sports park planned for the stadium roof, featuring bungee jumping, a zip line and an elevated course above a former “white elephant” that has become a tourist attraction. Thursday and Friday; advance registration required.
- National Velodrome: The Olympic cycling arena in Hadar Yosef, featuring wooden tracks with slopes of up to 45 degrees. Thursday at 10:00 and Friday at 10:30; admission for the first 25 visitors.
- Marine Sports Center at the former Dolphinarium beach: A new complex with sea-facing stands and a community center. Thursday at 10:00 and 12:00; admission for the first 40 visitors.
A Journey Through the City’s History
- The Water Tower on Mazeh Street: The landmark marks its 100th anniversary. The eclectic building previously 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 Israel’s independence was broadcast from the building at 114 Moshe Dayan Road. Visitors can learn about transmitters operated secretly under the British authorities. Thursday and Friday; admission for the first 30 visitors.
- The Saraya Building in Yafo: A rare opportunity to visit the former Ottoman government building in Clock Square. It recently returned to municipal control and is set to become a cultural center. Thursday and Friday; advance registration required.
- KKL House: The building in the heart of the White City where Israel’s Declaration of Independence was drafted. Thursday afternoon; advance registration required.
More Glimpses of the Future
- The Tank Farm at Reading: A tour of one of the city’s most intriguing areas slated for transformation, where industrial tanks are expected to become an innovation center and an urban nature site at the Yarkon River estuary. Thursday at 17:00; open tour.
- Where Are You Heading? How a City Is Designed: An evening of lectures at the Engineering Administration, 5 Pilon Street, about Tel Aviv’s strategic plan for 2035.
And More
Other highlights include a tour of the Gagon shelter in Yafo, described as the only building in Israel designed specifically for homeless residents; the new community sports center at the former Aliyah Market, combining historic elements with modern swimming pools; and a tour of Kiryat HaMelacha exploring the industrial and creative character of southern Tel Aviv.
Practical details:
- Dates: May 7-9, 2026.
- Location: Sites across Tel Aviv-Yafo.
- Cost: Free.
- Registration: Some tours require advance registration through the event website. Places may fill within minutes.
- Event website: event website
- Tip: The DigiTel app may provide additional benefits and updates.
