Jerusalem Street Art

In many parts of the world, street art is considered graffiti - sometimes even frowned upon. However, in Jerusalem, this craft is appreciated as part of the city’s vibrant culture. Jerusalem’s street art is the result of a deliberate initiative by Ido Levitt, director of the Jerusalem Center Development Company, a branch of the Jerusalem Development Authority. The municipality and residents and affected businesses must approve designs in advance. All art has a strict policy against politics, violence, and other inappropriate images.

Jerusalem Street Art at Machane Yehuda

The city’s bustling main market, Machane Yehuda, is buzzing with energy throughout the week. The market closes, however, on Saturdays, the Jewish day of rest. When the garage-like doors to the stalls shut, an incredible gallery of colorful murals is visible. As you roam the alleys, famous individuals and other artistic Jerusalem street art creations will stare back at you. For example, among them are Jewish World War II hero Hannah Szenes in her military uniform, American Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, and even Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi tucked under a “Strictly Kosher” sign. 25-year-old British-born artist, Solomon Souza, created these captivating spray paints. Solomon worked tirelessly to ensure the market is spirited when it’s closed in the evening - not just during the day.

The best way to experience this historic market is via our Israel Package Tours, so you can maximize your time in Israel. We also offer several immersive day tours, like our Best of Jerusalem Tour or our Jerusalem Food Tour of Machane Yehuda Market. Keep in mind that you’ll have to return on your own after-hours to see the impressive art.

Creative Street Art in Jerusalem

Outside of the market, the charming neighborhood of Beit Yaakov also contains a very special project. Thirty artists came together for the project Tabula Rasa (“blank slate”), displayed on the walls, poles, balconies, doors, shops, and electrical boxes. HaDekel Street is also particularly interesting. As you enter the street, you’ll encounter two gigantic, frightening faces. Along the way, murals are rampant, indeed, even on the shutters of closed shops. Additionally, an extended wall is covered with sheep and a wolf waiting to catch them. Futhermore, on one of the unique balconies, there are several poems and murals.

Be sure to head to Beit Yaakov Street, near Agrippas Street, to admire a fabulous corner mural that depicts the people, kiosks, and buildings of Mahane Yehuda Market with great accuracy. 12 artists from a Lyons-based group called Cite de la Creation pained this 3D piece of Jerusalem street art.

On Hagalgal Street, on the side of a deserted building, lies the work of Adam Yekutieli. The building, in fact, riddled with bullet holes, was once on the border with Jordan. Adam incorporated all the damage into his work, “The Walls” by numbering each one and providing a legend that makes for intriguing reading. There are a total of 246 marks visible on the building. It’s an extremely fascinating piece that contrasts with Machane Yehuda’s colorful stalls.

We’ll Ensure You Have an Legendary Adventure in Israel

For even more amazing and impressive creativity, check out the booming Tel Aviv street art scene. Additionally, we recommend joining our Israel Package Tours - where we handle all the details - comfortable hotels, thrilling tours, seamless transfers. This way, you can fully enjoy your vacation and visit all the hidden gems and unique sites in Israel - especially Jerusalem’s street art.

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