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"The White City" is Tel Aviv's second name, given to it in honor of the white Bauhaus buildings which dominate its architectural landscape. Bauhaus Architecture


Tel Aviv and the Bauhaus  Movement

In 2003 UNESCO declared that the city of Tel Aviv was a World Cultural Heritage site, owing to over 4,000 Bauhaus buildings which are spread over the city.   The Bauhaus doctrine was very widespread when the city of Tel Aviv was established and many of its buildings erected in the 30's. The German architects, who studied in the Bauhaus School for Art and Design, shaped the architectural approach of the new city.  Young architects immigrated to Israel, and the aesthetic principles they had learnt "immigrated" along with them, turning Tel Aviv into the White city it is today. 
 
Bauhaus ArchitectureThe Bauhaus architectural style follows a few aesthetical ground rules such as: simplicity, clean cuts, white walls and no unnecessary decorations. All the buildings have a smooth and simple touch inspired by the idea of functionality.  One of the most obvious

characteristics of the style is round small balconies, which give the buildings a unique appearance.  

Preservation of the Buildings

 Though the city was declared a world heritage site, the upkeep of these buildings isn't always up to standard.  A clear result of this neglect is the simple fact that the "White City" isn't really white anymore, but rather Gray.  People who visit Tel Aviv might wonder why people don't paint their houses, and indeed we can only partake in this wonder. However, efforts are now being made to improve the condition of the buildings, and help in the preservation of this unique architectual style.

Bauhaus ArchitectureIn any case, there are many beautiful buildings which are well kept and bright white (or Cream or light Orange), and these are certainly worth seeing.  There are free tours which the municipality offers (also in English of course), and there are many other guides offering different walks around the area. 
 

The main touring areas are:

Rothschild Blvd.  (and the surrounding area of Shenkin)
Dizengoff St.
Bialik St.
Mazeh and Kalisher St.
 
Detailed information about the different buildings and maps can be found in:  http://www.white-city.co.il/ (a site created by Tel Aviv's Municipality)
Comments (7)
  • 2007-12-26 15:02:31 | |80.230.221.xxx| --  - Architectural walking tours

    check it out...

    www.telavivarchitecture.com

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  • 2007-06-30 11:15:24 |84.94.182.xxx| Frits de Wit  - BAUHAUS ,TEL-AVIV

    If you are intrested in the GEM of Tel-Aviv,more then 4.000 Bauhaus,or Modern Style buildings,send me a mail,I will try to help you
    I wrote many articles about Bauhaus Tel-Aviv in different Dutch and Int.magazines..I had some groups here from the TH-Delft,Holland

    mail: frits.dewit@gmail.com

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  • 2007-04-10 07:17:45 |89.0.72.xxx| Atara  - Bauhaus walking tour of tel aviv NOT on friday?

    Hi - we'll be in Tel Aviv for 2 days (wed and thurs) and being an architect, i'd LOVE a tour of th white city, but i can only find one on fridays? has anyone found one during the week?
    Thanks!

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  • 2006-06-18 10:10:00 |220.245.179.xxx| Guest  - the link does work

    just go into the site and you will find ready made tours with maps and pictures!

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  • 2006-03-07 02:57:10 |80.42.122.xxx| Simcha  - Where are the maps?

    This is a great site, but the link you gave up for maps does not contain any. It would be great if you posted direct links to maps so that we can conduct our own tours if we miss the guided one.

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  • 2006-01-18 10:47:31 |70.29.147.xxx| John  - hmmm

    This is kind of interesting, but how about some pictures?? Everything is better with pictures...

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  • 2006-01-06 02:00:22 |220.245.179.xxx| Justin  - Secrets

    A few Bauhaus secrets can be found along Ben Yehuda Street - particularly in the north, near Tel Aviv Port

    Additionally, you will find some nice suprises in the the areas around Shenkin Street - ie the following streets:
    Gruzenburg
    Mazeh
    Lilenblum
    Balfour
    Melchett
    Ahad Ha'Am
    Nachmani
    Yehuda Halevi
    HaChashmonaim

    But definitely make sure u dont miss King Albert Square (Kikar HaMelech Albert) - corner of Nachmani and Mazeh streets. This is probably the most beautiful (and secret) intersection in Tel Aviv - with the a fantastic, awe inspiring resotred Bauhaus building. NOT TO BE MISSED

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Last Updated on Monday, 03 December 2007 10:46