The Yitzhak Rabin Center in Tel Aviv weaves the history of the State of Israel through the life story of one of its most devoted sons. In fact, it is the only official memorial dedicated to this monumental man.
Yitzhak Rabin, born in 1922, grew up alongside the State of Israel. The museum makes it clear that both the State and Rabin had their ups and downs, moments of glory and a fair share of problems. One of the newest museums in Israel, the Yitzhak Rabin Center brings together a piece of history and modern technology by integrating sensor-activated audio guides. The museum really consists of three main sections, the inner corridor, the outer corridors, and the audio guide. The outer corridor tells the story of Yitzhak Rabin’s life: who he was, the positions he held, the problems he faced and the decisions he made. Every so often, a pathway to the inner corridor appears leading you through the story of Israel at the same point in time. To add further context, each outer corridor features important news snippets from around the world. Along the way, your audio guide’s sensors activate music, speeches, or news broadcasts that complement the visual exhibit. Unlike other museums where the audio guide might be an extra enhancement at best and an afterthought at worst, the audio guide at the Yitzhak Rabin Center is an essential part of how they bring these compelling stories to life. The result is a rich layering of content that gives you a full understanding of where Yitzhak Rabin was in his life at the same moment that major events were happening in Israel and around the world. After you finish your visit, be sure to take a walk on the large balcony and enjoy the beautiful view overlooking Tel Aviv.
Even though the museum is not particularly large, it is recommended to leave at least three hours for exploration. Your time will be well spent reading about major world events, listening to contemporary music, and seeing documentary footage of everything from idyllic early kibbutzim to dark scenes of war. It is a fascinating, engaging, and emotional experience. After you finish your visit, be sure to take a walk on the large balcony and enjoy the beautiful view overlooking Tel Aviv.
Visiting the Yitzhak Rabin Center
You have to call ahead to make a reservation, but don’t let this detail keep you from making a last minute visit. Give them a call on +972-3-745-3345 or email order1@rabincenter.org.il; they will most likely be happy to hear that you are coming by.
The Yitzhak Rabin Center is located just up the road from the Eretz Israel Museum in Ramat Aviv in northern Tel Aviv, and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Opening hours are 9am to 5pm on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, 9am to 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9am to 2pm on Fridays.
Entry costs 60 NIS although Tourist Israel readers save 20% with the discount code ny-12 and pay 48 NIS.
[alert type=”info”]Tourist Israel readers save 20% on entry to the Yitzhak Rabin Center with the discount code ny-12[/alert]
8 Chaim Levanon Street, Tel Aviv
Mara Friedman is a born and raised New Yorker who took the leap and moved to Israel. She lives and writes in Tel Aviv.
