Museums- Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel - VirtualTourist.com

TAMA is one of 3 world class visual art museums in Israel (the Israel Museum and the Herzliya Museum of Art the others). It may not spring to mind in the same way that MOMA, the Tate, Louvre does, but TAMA has a few surprises up its sleeve when you wonder through its hallowed marbled interior.

A big, concrete bunker with many additions added to it over the years (founded in 1931), natural light and space abounds, hugely complementary to most works of art (although smaller rooms are available for more intimate exhibitions). The work is a real mix - and this is where the surprises are to be had - especially on the 1st floor: private collections have been donated to the Gallery. The history of modern art is to be found here - every conceivable artist (and a few inconceivable ones) to be found - 19th century Impressionists, 20th century Fauvists, Cubists, Expressionists etc are represented.

But they have enough space to present not only the permanent collection but also a number of interesting contemporary exhibitions. Generally, there is a focus on Israeli and Jewish work, but not exclusively. It's great to see such an important museum supporting living artists - in April 2007, I saw an exhibition of Rothko along with work by Israeli photographer Barry Frydlender, a 20 year retrospective of Israeli Nurit David, Ra'anan Levy, an Israeli living in France and, in the seperate Helena Rubenstein Pavillion, an amazing exhibition by Adi Nes. Contemporary Israeli art is internationally highly respected - Sigalit Landau, Adi Nes, Uri Gersht, Yehudit Sassportes are just a few names who have had major exhibitions at TAMA before moving on to the international arena with considerable acclaim.

In addition, the Museum hosts an arthouse cinema (approx 150 seats) and the 520 seat Racanti Hall and the 200 seat Kauffman-Gitter Auditorium, both of which present world class classical and jazz music.

Entrance Fee (Museum): NIS 42

Opening hours: Mon & Wed, 10am-4pm: Tues & Thurs, 10am-10pm: Fri, 10am-2pm: Sat 10am-4pm (closed Sun)

Museums, Tel Aviv-Yafo

Tel Aviv-Yafo Hotels

Museums, Tel Aviv-Yafo

Visiting Tel Aviv-Yafo?

Visiting Tel Aviv-Yafo?

Tel Aviv-Yafo Hotels