Independence Hall
Independence Hall is operated and sponsored by the Eretz Yisrael Museum. This museum offers visitors a look into the events of May 14, 1948, the day on which the State of Israel was established. Visitors arrive at the historic Independence Hall, the place in which the leaders of Palestine gathered to hear David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister, declare the creation of a new State independant of the British Mandate. This historic building was originally owned by Tel Aviv’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff, and was donated by him to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
Today, Independence Hall hosts a variety of exhibits which reenact the revolutionary events of 1948. Pieces of artwork from the original art museum line the walls. The hall’s original chairs remain – now etched with the names of important participants from the Independence Day declaration. Flags, signed documents and photos from the day are exhibited. An original recording of Ben Gurion’s speech is available for visitors, as is a short film about the period leading up to May 14th.
Independence Hall is open Sunday to Friday from 9am until 2pm. The museum is located at 16 Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv.