Jerusalem Theatre facts for kids
The Jerusalem Theatre (Hebrew: תיאטרון ירושלים), also known as The Jerusalem Centre for the Performing Arts, is a special place in Jerusalem where different kinds of shows happen. It opened its doors in 1971.
This big building has several halls for performances. The largest is the Sherover Theatre, which can hold 950 people. There's also the Henry Crown Symphony Hall, home to the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, with 750 seats. The Rebecca Crown Auditorium seats 450, and the Little Theatre is smaller with 110 seats. Besides shows, you can find art exhibits in the main lobby, plus a restaurant and a bookshop.
How it Started
In 1958, the city of Jerusalem, led by Mayor Mordechai Ish Shalom, decided to build a new theatre. They held a contest to find the best design. Architects Michael Nadler, Shulamit Nadler, and Shmuel Bixson won the competition.
The city also received a generous gift from a wealthy person named Miles Sherover. He made his money in Venezuela and wanted to help build the theatre.
The building started in October 1964. It was supposed to be finished in two years, but there were some delays. Some people worried it would be a "white elephant"—a big, expensive building that wasn't very useful. But the theatre finally opened in October 1971.
Later, another American millionaire, Lester Crown, gave a large donation. Jerusalem's mayor, Teddy Kollek, convinced him to use the money for arts and culture instead of a sports stadium. This money helped build the Henry Crown Concert Hall and the Rebecca Crown Auditorium. The same architects designed these new parts, so they fit perfectly with the original building.
Building Style
The Jerusalem Theatre looks unique because it mixes old and new styles. It uses Jerusalem stone, which is a traditional building material in the city. It also has modern parts made of exposed concrete. The theatre stands in a large public square. This area is often used for outdoor concerts and other fun events.
Events and Shows
Many different events take place at the Jerusalem Theatre. It has hosted big international events like the Mrs. World competition in 1999. It is also where important awards, such as the Israel Prize, are given out.
See also
- International Convention Center (Jerusalem)
- Music of Israel
- Architecture of Israel
- Culture of Israel
