Rothschild Boulevard is the most important street in Tel Aviv, a tree-lined avenue where the city was born, where independence was declared, and where the Bauhaus buildings that earned Tel Aviv its UNESCO designation stand in their finest concentration. The boulevard runs from Habima Square (home of the national theater) to Neve Tzedek, and walking its length is walking through the story of Tel Aviv.
Independence Hall
At 16 Rothschild Boulevard, in the former home of Meir Dizengoff (the first mayor of Tel Aviv), David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. The hall has been restored to its appearance on that day, with the original microphone, the portrait of Theodor Herzl on the wall, and the table where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The recording of Ben-Gurion reading the declaration, his voice firm and deliberate, plays in the hall, and the experience of standing in the room where a state was born is profound.
Bauhaus Buildings
Rothschild Boulevard has the highest concentration of International Style (Bauhaus) buildings in Tel Aviv. Over 4,000 Bauhaus buildings were built in Tel Aviv in the 1930s and 1940s by Jewish architects fleeing Nazi Germany, many of whom had studied at the Bauhaus school or been influenced by Le Corbusier. The buildings are characterized by flat roofs, rounded balconies, horizontal strip windows, and raised pilotis (columns). The UNESCO World Heritage designation of the “White City” in 2003 recognized this collection as the largest ensemble of International Style architecture in the world.
Boulevard Today
The central pedestrian strip of the boulevard is shaded by ficus trees and lined with benches, playgrounds, and outdoor cafes. On weekends, families and cyclists fill the median, and the boulevard becomes a living room for the city. The mix of historic Bauhaus buildings, modern towers, restaurants, and cultural institutions makes Rothschild the single best street for understanding what Tel Aviv is and how it became what it is.
Independence Hall Today
Independence Hall has been undergoing extensive renovations in recent years, transforming the museum into a more immersive and modern visitor experience. Visitors should check ahead for current opening status and access arrangements, as parts of the building may be closed during the renovation period.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
Rothschild Boulevard combines architecture, history, and city life in a single walk. Hoshen Tours starts at Independence Hall and walks the boulevard, telling the story of the city through its buildings.