TEL AVIV, THE UNFORGETTABLE

Come and discover Israel, and more specifically Tel Aviv. The city enjoys an excellent reputation, both festive and cultural. It’s not usurped. Clubs, cafés, restaurants and museums are sure to charm. The promiscuity of the Mediterranean and the youthfulness of the city have an impact, conveying a feeling of perpetual renewal.

The city ‘that never sleeps’ has a number of clubs where excitement reigns. Haoman 17 is, so to speak, the biggest of them all.

The atmosphere is incredible. International DJ sets, mainly techno, and choice concerts. The space is divided in two, the inside with the stage for the concerts, the bar and so on. On some evenings, the atmosphere verges on the frenetic. The Outside, with its indoor garden feel, sofas and fake grass, is more conducive to chatting and softer swaying.

Another place to consider is the Evita bar. Tel Aviv’s oldest gay bar is a sought-after spot.

This large space on Boulevard Rotschild is a pleasant place to enjoy a cocktail, an unusual drink given the wide variety of alcohols on offer. Theatrical performances are sometimes programmed here.

The Block is also a reference. Techno has another place of choice here. DJ sets, an enthusiastic atmosphere, you just have to let yourself be transported.

In this techno craze, gaypride represents a special moment. Scheduled to take place in June, it becomes an unbelievable gathering based on the notion of protest, but above all of celebration. Music is omnipresent, bringing gays and straights together in the intense pleasure of the moment. Enthusiastically accompanying the parade, the sound also takes over the beach parties at Gordon Beach.
Some people prepare their outfits for the event, between sequins and rainbows.

There’s no doubt, from the enthusiasm of those present to the serenity of the gay couples bringing their children, that the gay-attitude is respected in Tel Aviv. Adir Steiner, coordinator of gay events at Tel Aviv City Hall, confirms that the cause has been heard.

The aim here is not to give an exhaustive overview of the nightlife scene, but to suggest some of the most important places and events for partying in Tel Aviv.
To vary the pleasures, a cultural escapade is also possible. The Tel Aviv Museum of Modern Art is an essential first stop.

Founded in 1932 by Meir Dizengoff, it now comprises a number of departments, including Israeli Art (a collection of Israeli art from the turn of the century to the present day), Modern and Contemporary Art, Drawings and Prints, Architecture and Design, Photography and Old Masters. Temporary exhibitions complete the range of possibilities. On view until December 28, a breakthrough in the work of Ron Gilad.
This Israeli artist plays with design to the point of incongruity.

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, photographer Micha Bar-am presents a selection of images taken during this period.
Many of them demonstrate his talent as a war reporter. The intensity of the moment and their historical significance give each image a particular interest, over and above their artistic legitimacy. On view until October 26.

Jaffa, at the gateway to Tel Aviv and now part of it, is a surprising enclave. In addition to its extraordinary beauty, it bears indirect witness to Israel’s history. Here, facing the Mediterranean, stands the Ilana Goor Museum.

The Israeli artist has invested this 18th-century building with her own creations and a collection of works by international artists. 500 pieces of art are spread throughout the mansion.

Sculptures, paintings, videos, design, tribal art and antique art literally take over the space.

From one room to the next, visitors feel involved in a real, almost initiatory, artistic journey. The highlight is undoubtedly the terrace. Discreetly laid out, preserving spatial asides, it allows visitors to discover numerous sculptures.

The view lends another dimension to this ‘exhibition’, creating a sensation of infinite serenity. A must-see!

On Jaffa’s old port, the dance center presents exhibitions.

Photographs of their activities and performances.

Independent choreographers present their creations here. Next door, Le Container is a restaurant-bar that also hosts art exhibitions and live music.

This open space encourages a new way of looking at nights.

In the ancient streets of Jaffa, art is freely accessible.

The stone walls become open-air exhibition spaces, and at the edge of an intersection, a sculpture may appear.

Here, artist Ran Morin has suspended a creation evoking the famous Jaffa oranges, a poetic allusion to the notion of transcendence. (Hanging orange tree, 1993)

The Neve Zedeck district offers another glimpse of the city. Here, designer boutiques abound. So do the cafés. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it feel like an enclave apart, almost a village. Designer jewellers have set up shop here. A must-see is the Agas & Tamar boutique, with its creations in semi-precious stones. Precise choice of materials and purity of form make each piece of jewelry unique.

Between the historic and the contemporary, their collections are the stuff of dreams.

Another stop must be planned to discover a truly unusual café, Suzana or Suzy On The Roof. Almost confidential, it occupies a small mansion with a terrace. Here, perched high in the branches of a tree, a frenetic rooster crows out his ardor.

An undisputed mascot, it intrigues.

Tel Aviv is definitely a great place to develop your sense of fun and carefree spirit!

Haoman 17, 88 Abarbanel St Tel Aviv
Evita, Yahne 31 Tel Aviv
Block, Salamé 157, Tel Aviv www.block-club.com
Museum of Modern Art www.tamuseum.com
Ilana Goor museum 4 Mazel Dagim St, Old Jaffa
Container, warehouse 2, Jaffa port
Agas & Tamar, 43 Shabazi St, Neve Zedeck, Tel Aviv

Créis phoographique, Tel Aviv Museum of Modern Art, Bénédicte, Sofia LAFAYE.

Cette publication est également disponible en :