About the Place
The Artists’ Colony of Jerusalem sit on one of the tributaries of the Kidron Valley, in the northern part of the biblical Gehenna (Valley of the Son of Hinnom), on the road that connected Judaean Desert to Jerusalem in ancient times. The complex sits on the land of Jawrart Al Inab neighborhood which was founded as part of the expansion of Jerusalem in the late19th century. The neighborhood was built on a land that was part of a cattle market. It was acquired by poor Jews. Over the years it became a mixed neighborhood for Jews and Arabs. The current structures of the Artists’ Colony of Jerusalem were built during the 1930s and served as workshops and commercial area. Berman Bakery of Jerusalem used their mill in one of these structures. With the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 the area was abandoned and became a no man’s land between Israel and Jordan. After the Six Day War, Mayor Teddy Kollek of Jerusalem decided to rebuild the place and turn it into a lively and active center of arts and crafts called: the Artists’ Colony of Jerusalem (Hutzot Hayotzer).
The complex was inaugurated in 1969 and opened its galleries and workshops for creative artists. The complex has had a great success and became into a tourist attraction. Ever since, the Artists’ Colony of Jerusalem has been the workplace for artists and designers, workshops, shops and galleries. They use traditional production methods combined with advanced modern technologies. They create in various fields such as jewelry, Judaica, weaving, embroidery, calligraphy, painting, photography and industrial design. Workshops and galleries are open to the public for visits at no cost. A walking tour at the picturesque boulevard allows its guests to experience moments of creativity, learning, hearing and seeing artists at work. You can view the different products of the workshops, and purchase works directly from the artists, as well as book unique items according to your own wish. The Eucalyptus restaurant is located at the top of the alley. It is one of the most veteran and known Jerusalem restaurants. It offers a local menu which relies on local ethnic traditions and gives them a contemporary interpretation.
The Artists’ Colony of Jerusalem sit on one of the tributaries of the Kidron Valley, in the northern part of the biblical Gehenna (Valley of the Son of Hinnom), on the road that connected Judaean Desert to Jerusalem in ancient times. The complex sits on the land of Jawrart Al Inab neighborhood which was founded as part of the expansion of Jerusalem in the late19th century. The neighborhood was built on a land that was part of a cattle market. It was acquired by poor Jews. Over the years it became a mixed neighborhood for Jews and Arabs. The current structures of the Artists’ Colony of Jerusalem were built during the 1930s and served as workshops and commercial area. Berman Bakery of Jerusalem used their mill in one of these structures. With the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 the area was abandoned and became a no man’s land between Israel and Jordan. After the Six Day War, Mayor Teddy Kollek of Jerusalem decided to rebuild the place and turn it into a lively and active center of arts and crafts called: the Artists’ Colony of Jerusalem (Hutzot Hayotzer).