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Bauhaus of Hayarkon

The sunshine and breeze reach me here, and soothe me just fine.
Yet still – I look somewhat lustfully at the expanse of Hayarkon – green, flowing, invigorating.
O please, invite me again; I’ll wallow in your midst next time.

I intended this article to be on Bauhaus Tel Aviv, but somehow the ode of sort that I composed talks equally of Hayarkon Park. Nonetheless, Bauhaus, whether it is found in front of the park where I lived or in downtown city, is one of the most fascinating architecture that Israel can claim to be uniquely its own.

Was I right to say unique? Bauhaus architecture was actually brought to the country in the 30s by architects of German and Jewish descent who flee upon the strengthening of the Nazis during that era. Since then, it has continuously evolved into one that suits the cultural and religious traditions of the Jewish race.

As I had my first glimpses of the city as my plane was about to land at the Ben Gurion International Airport, I was perplexed by the welcoming landscape. There were white and grayish-hued, box-shaped buildings everywhere! I thought it was peculiar indeed. Now, I understand that there are about 5,000 of these Bauhaus houses and buildings within the city, which was certainly the reason why it was given the name of White City Tel Aviv.

Today, these thousands of Bauhaus buildings are collectively acknowledged to be a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The UN organization has declared it to be a fine example of 20th century modern city planning and architecture that can hardly be seen anywhere else in the world. Indeed, worldwide interest in Bauhaus Tel Aviv has grown so much after its recognition from UNESCO.

The municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo has been exerting great efforts to make sure that these landmarks are fully protected. Ample funding is provided in order for old structures to be refurbished and restored to their original state.

The concentration of Bauhaus style buildings in the city is more than any other in the world. These buildings are not only used as residences – many others serve as private and public offices, shops, museums, galleries, and even schools. There is no doubt about it – Tel Aviv Israel is the world’s Bauhaus capital.

One of the places, or streets, that you need to see if you are on an Israel tour is Rothschild Tel Aviv. Also known as Sderot Rothschild to the Israelis, it is one of the major and most famous thoroughfares in the city of Tel Aviv. Actually, the boulevard starts in Neve Tzedek Tel Aviv, the oldest known Jewish settlement in the city, at its southwest end. The street then runs northward to the Habima Theater, one of the country’s first Hebrew Theaters. Rothschild is known to be a very busy street with a great amount of traffic of pedestrians, private cars and autobus traversing the boulevard. It is also recognized as one of the most expensive streets in this Middle Eastern City in terms of apartment rentals.

Needless to say, Rothschild Boulevard Tel Aviv is one of the White City’s main tourist spots. The street is wide and features a tree-lined inland strip that can easily accommodate flow of pedestrians. It likewise has bike lanes for the city’s many bicycle owners to use. The boulevard is unofficially known as the city’s food and restaurant strip. Tourists can find a number of excellent fine dining establishments and fast food restaurants along the boulevard. Two of the favorite hangouts of coffee and choco lovers are the Café Care Restaurant and Max Brenner Chocolate Restaurant. The latter actually originates from Israel and it is the same Max Brenner that one can find in New York.

Like other places like Neve Tzedek Tel Aviv, the street has its own share of the rich Jewish history. Actually, in the beginning it was known as Rehov HaAm, roughly translated in English as Street of the people. Later, the residents of the place requested the Municipality to have it renamed in honor of Edmond James de Rothschild, French Baron and belonging of the Rothschild banking family. Famous buildings, either residential or for art works, are found in the street. One of the most famous houses can be found on the corner of Herzl and Rothschild Boulevard Tel Aviv, the owners of which was the Eliavson family, one of the 60 founding families of the city. Built in 1909, the building was bought by the French Institute in 2007 and restored to its former state and glory.

Likewise, the Declaration of Independence by Israel was signed at the historic Independence Hall of Rothschild Tel Aviv. Many other buildings and structures of great historical value are constructed and still standing along the boulevard, many of them in Bauhaus styled architecture. The street in fact has a number of Bauhaus style buildings that are a part of the White City, considered to be a major World Heritage Site as designated by the International organization UNESCO.
Image credit: 2nd Rothschild photo by hoder