The Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art: Past, Present and Future

The Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art, located in the heart of Herzliya, is a museum dedicated to showcasing Israeli and international contemporary artists. The museum’s primary focus is on art that offers a variety of perspectives on the socio-political situation, as well as art that nurtures the future generation by exploring the discourse between artists.

However, this was not always the case.

Since its conception, the Herzliya Museum has adapted itself to the conditions and outlook of its standing directors throughout the years.

Here is a look at the many phases of the Herzliya Museum and where it stands today:

The Herzliya Museum Throughout the Years

Originally founded on a collection of old paintings donated by Eugene da Villa, a resident of Herzliya, the museum was first located in a modest apartment on 15 Bar Ilan Street. Under her influence, the museum displayed archaeological remnants from the Apollonia national park alongside other artworks.

Not long after, Yaakov Rechter, Moshe Zarhy and Micha Peri designed the museum’s current location, a joint building that serves as a military memorial building, museum and cultural center. The design concept is characterized by formal and conceptual gravity and modesty, in the prominent Brutalist style that was prevalent in those times.

The museum later expanded onto the local sculptural art scene under the direction of Yoav Dagon in 1980s. And, in the 1990s shifted its focus to young, contemporary Israeli and international art, under the direction of Dalia Levin.

What the Museum Represents Today

Today, the museum is directed by Dr. Aya Lurie and aims to shed light on contemporary cultural and social issues by taking a wide view of artistic discourse and opening it up for dialogue with other fields.

Each year, there are three cycles of exhibitions comprised of approximately fifty solo shows and dozens of group shows. These exhibits offer diverse perspectives on the world, expanding discussion and launching new channels for interpretation. These channels create connections between local and international artists, emphasizing the beautiful capability that art has to cross borders and facilitate dialogue.

Herzliya Biennial

One of the most notable events at the Herzliya Museum was its celebration of the first Herzliya Biennial of Contemporary Art in September of 2007.

The theme of the biennial was “The Rear” and presented the works of over 70 Israeli artists in various locations throughout Herzliya. In addition to the Herzliya Museum, biennial artwork was presented in underground warehouses, storage halls, various apartments, shops and bomb shelters throughout the city.

The biennial was curated by Joshua Simon and directed by Yehuda Ben Ezra and Dalia Levin. The event was influenced by similar biennials such as the Gwangju Biennale, and by the Israeli political situation.

As such, the Herzliya Biennial manifesto states that its focus is on presenting work by contemporary Israeli artists who specifically address the notion of posteriority as referenced to in the theme of the biennial, “The Rear”. In Hebrew the rear is known as “Ha’Oref” and refers to the “the home front”, “the hinterland”, or “the nape”.

The artwork about “The Rear” discussed the home front instead of the front line, for example civilian society in Israel versus the army, and the public sphere, which refers to where society stands in relation to the state, or where labor is located to capital.

Want to see for yourself?

The Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art is an experience you don’t want to miss when visiting Israel. Located only a twenty minute drive from Tel Aviv, you can enjoy a day at the museum by driving yourself or catching a bus from Tel Aviv.

Bus Lines From Tel Aviv
● Metropoline: Tel Aviv direct to Herzliya 47, 48
● Egged: Tel Aviv direct to Herzliya 501, 502 or Tel Aviv through Ramat Gan to Herzliya 531

Phone and Address:
Phone: 09-9551011
Fax: 09-9500043
4 Ha’banim St. Herzliya 4637904

Opening Hours:
Mon. Wed. Fri. Sun. 10:00 – 14:00
Tue. Thu. 16:00 – 20:00
Sun. closed

Entrance fee
Entrance fee – 30 NIS
Compulsory-service soldiers and police, IDF disabled veterans, pensioners (with a suitable card) – 15 NIS
Annual admission for two – 200 NIS
Free entry (with a suitable card) – Friends of the Museum, children and youth under 18, Yad Labanim, press, and ICOM members