Independence Hall (Israel) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Independence Hall
בית דיזנגוף
Israel's Independence Hall, 16 Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv, 2007
Alternative names	Dizengoff House
General information
Status	Complete
Type	Museum
Address	16 Rothschild Boulevard
Town or city	Tel Aviv
Country	Israel
Renovated	1978
Design and construction
Architect	Carl Rubin
Known for	Site of the signing of Israel's Declaration of Independence

Independence Hall is a famous history museum in Tel Aviv, Israel. It is located on the historic Rothschild Boulevard. This building is very important because it is where Israel's Declaration of Independence was signed.

Originally, it was the home of Meir Dizengoff, the first mayor of Tel Aviv, and his wife, Zina. They called it the Dizengoff House. Later, the house became the first home of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.

Today, it is a museum about the signing of Israel's Declaration of Independence and the history of Tel Aviv. The building has been closed for major renovations to restore it and create a modern museum experience.

History of the Building
The Museum Today
Gallery
See also

History of the Building

The Dizengoff's Home

On April 11, 1909, sixty-six Jewish families gathered near this spot. They held a lottery to divide up land for a new neighborhood called Ahuzat Bayit. Meir and Zina Dizengoff got plot number 43 and built their house there.

Meir Dizengoff became the leader of the new neighborhood. In 1910, the residents renamed it Tel Aviv. As the city grew, Dizengoff became its first mayor. Their home was a popular place for gatherings where people discussed art and ideas.

After his wife Zina died in 1930, Meir Dizengoff gave their house to the city of Tel Aviv. He wanted it to become a museum for everyone to enjoy. The building was redesigned in the popular International Style of architecture.

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

The house was renovated and opened as the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in 1932. It was the city's first art museum. Dr. Karl Schwarz was hired to run the museum. He wanted it to be a place that showed art from around the world and supported local artists.

The museum collected many works of art and had a library about art history. In 1971, the museum moved to a new, larger building where it is still located today.

Israel's Declaration of Independence

David Ben-Gurion announces Israel's Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948.

A lecture taking place in the restored main hall in 2012.

The most famous event at this building happened on May 14, 1948. At 4:00 PM, leaders of the Jewish community gathered in the main hall. David Ben-Gurion, who would become Israel's first prime minister, read the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel.

This announcement came just eight hours before the British Mandate, which was the British rule over the area, was set to end. After the declaration was read and signed, everyone sang "Hatikvah," which is now Israel's national anthem.

Preparing for the Big Day

Workers rushed to get the hall ready for the ceremony. They only had 24 hours. They hung a portrait of Theodor Herzl, an important leader who dreamed of a Jewish state, on the wall. They also borrowed flags and chairs from nearby cafes.

The event was kept secret to be safe. The museum was closed to the public. Even so, a large crowd gathered outside the building to celebrate the historic moment. The famous photographer Rudi Weissenstein took pictures of the ceremony.

The Museum Today

After the art museum moved out, the building was neglected for a while. In 1978, it was restored to look just like it did on the day independence was declared. It opened as a museum dedicated to that event.

In 2009, the Israeli government passed a law to protect and preserve the building because of its national importance. It has been undergoing major renovations to restore it and turn it into an innovative museum for the future.

Gallery

The Dizengoff House in 1910.
Art historian Dr. Karl Schwarz, who ran the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, in 1935.
Carl Rubin, Meir Dizengoff and Moshe Kaniuk during the renovation of the Tel Aviv Museum, 1935.
Meir Dizengoff's coffin is placed in the Tel Aviv Museum after his death in 1936.
People gathered outside to celebrate as independence was declared on May 14, 1948.
An invitation to the independence ceremony.
A photo by Rudi Weissenstein of the declaration of independence ceremony.
The Tel Aviv Art Museum between 1948 and 1951.
Visitors at the museum in 1954.
Independence Hall in 2013, before the latest renovations.
Renovations at Independence Hall in 2023.