Ilana Goor Museum
It offers wonders, the museum is excellent and the view is brilliant, but admission is charged and is until 16:00.
When this building appeared here in 1742, becoming the first one constructed outside of Jaffa’s city walls, it was quite an occasion. It was built as a shelter for Jewish pilgrims heading for Jerusalem. The shelter protected them from robbers, who were a real pain in the neck at the time.
The further story of the building is also vivid enough. In the 19th century it served as a facility for manufacturing soap and perfumes made of olive oil (the main article of Palestinian exportation at the time). In the 20th century it was a synagogue for Libyan Jews and low-cost lodging for the migrants from the Balkans. Finally, after gentrification of Jaffa began in 1983, part of the building was acquired by Ilana Goor.
This is where the fun begins. The building was abandoned and nailed-up. To enter it, Ilana literally had to stave in. Some parts of floors or ceilings were missing. Nevertheless, she decided to use the building as a museum of her artworks and the most varied collection of art. During the repair, one of the workers slipped down into a hole which turned out to be a pipe. He was rescued. Thanks to the incident a basement was excavated. Part of it was a stone oven used for boiling of soap. Now the place houses a gift shop of the museum.
In 2010 cement suddenly began to fall off the ceiling of the sculpture hall. A unique amphora-style ceiling was discovered in the course of repairs. To reduce weight and to mitigate cold and hot temperatures, clay amphorae were mounted in the ceiling in the 18th century.
The further story of the building is also vivid enough. In the 19th century it served as a facility for manufacturing soap and perfumes made of olive oil (the main article of Palestinian exportation at the time). In the 20th century it was a synagogue for Libyan Jews and low-cost lodging for the migrants from the Balkans. Finally, after gentrification of Jaffa began in 1983, part of the building was acquired by Ilana Goor.
This is where the fun begins. The building was abandoned and nailed-up. To enter it, Ilana literally had to stave in. Some parts of floors or ceilings were missing. Nevertheless, she decided to use the building as a museum of her artworks and the most varied collection of art. During the repair, one of the workers slipped down into a hole which turned out to be a pipe. He was rescued. Thanks to the incident a basement was excavated. Part of it was a stone oven used for boiling of soap. Now the place houses a gift shop of the museum.
In 2010 cement suddenly began to fall off the ceiling of the sculpture hall. A unique amphora-style ceiling was discovered in the course of repairs. To reduce weight and to mitigate cold and hot temperatures, clay amphorae were mounted in the ceiling in the 18th century.
Task 2.1
We gave you quite a detailed history of the building itself but you should form your own opinion about both personality and endowment of Ilana Goor as artist and art collector. Visit the museum, study her biography and send us one message with 3 facts that you find surprising or admirable or feel emotional about. 3 points.
3 points
Extra task 2.2
Extra task: the wide variety and resplendence of the collection of the artworks created or acquired by Ilana is simply mind-boggling. Each team member should find an avatar or a totem and have a photo taken with it. You get one point for each member’s photo featuring the chosen avatar.
1 point
Extra task 2.3
One more task: of course, there is no end of photos of Ilana and her famous friends and acquaintances, such as Bill Clinton, Shimon Peres or the Dalai Lama, but you might easily find the one of Ilana and a famous Russian politician. Who is he? Send us his surname and get 2 points. The photo is in the museum shop.
2 points
A nice bonus
The building’s patio offers the finest view over the sea, port and part of the old city. There is no other camera angle like this in Tel Aviv. Do not miss your opportunity! The museum is open until 16:00.
Learn more
