Out And About: Top 10 summer events at the Israel Museum

Experience amusing illusions in art and try your hand at creating illusions: Take a peek into a room that distorts height and width, discover what happens when you cut a Möbius strip, draw a hand that turns three-dimensional, look at yourself in an infinite mirror, and create movement in a work of art. For ages 6 and up. 

When? July: Tues. 4–7 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (no activity on July 16); August (until August 23): Sun., Mon., Thurs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tues., Wed. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Fri. 10 am – 1 p.m.

How much? NIS 25

RECYCLING WORKSHOP: WHERE ECOLOGY MEETS ART 

Sitting on nails (?) or soup bowls (!) and working at mirror-tables in an illusory environment, children create objects that appear to be one thing but turn out to be something else entirely. For ages 3–9. For details, call (02) 670-8963.

When? July: Tues. 4–7 p.m. (no activity on July 16); August (until August 23): Sun., Mon., Thurs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tues., Wed. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

How much? NIS 15

When? July: Tues. 5 p.m. (no activity on July 16); August: Sun., Thurs. 12 noon. In Hebrew. Ages 3–6 

How much? NIS 15

A guided tour full of tricks, illusions, secrets and surprises. In Hebrew. Ages 6 and up 

When? August only (until August 23) Sun.–Thurs. 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. Fri. 11 a.m. Sat. 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

How much? NIS 20 

SPECIAL EFFECTS MOVIE STUDIO 

Demonstrations and hands-on experience in creating illusions and special effects for the movies.

When? August only: Wed., Aug 7, 14, 21, 4 p.m. In Hebrew. Ages 6 and up. At the Youth Wing Auditorium.

How much? NIS 25

CONTACT POINT: A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM 

For the fourth year, artists from a wide range of disciplines engage with artworks throughout the campus, creating singular “contact points” with the museum, its artworks and the audience.

You are familiar with the experience of wandering through the museum’s galleries and Art Garden, taking in the art as spectators. Tonight, however, you are invited to become active participants: How about building an archaeological “tel” with discarded items; or maybe playing a match with the Hapoel Katamon soccer team; dancing to the lead of Solly Noama and Ori Bankhalter; preparing artistic Iraqi bread with performance artist Hadas Ophrat as part of a Food Truck initiative; or choosing to participate in many other exciting activities throughout the night. Wear comfortable shoes, bring along something – a small object you don’t need anymore or an old book – and prepare to experience the museum in a totally different light. Artistic director: Renana Raz 

When? Thursday, July 25, 8 p.m. – 3 a.m.

How much? NIS 60; NIS 40 for students, seniors and children. Free for members

ISRAELI WINE-TASTING FESTIVAL 

Join us for the annual celebration of wine tasting from leading wineries in Israel, in the enchanted atmosphere of the Art Garden, to the sound of live music. Marking the festival’s 10th anniversary, the exhibition “Herod the Great” will be open at no extra charge from 5:30 p.m.

When? Monday, August 5 until Thursday, August 8, from 7–11 p.m.

How much? NIS 85. Tickets are available on the museum website and by phone at (02) 625-9703. Space is limited.

Warm clothing recommended

Enjoy open-air musical performances on the Crown Plaza, with Dan Salomon, Sivan Talmor and others.

When? August 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 7-9 p.m.

CHRISTIAN MARCLAY’S THE CLOCK Don’t miss this amazing video installment, with a 24-hour screening.

When? Wednesday, August 28, 5 p.m. – Thursday, August 29, 5 p.m.

How much? No extra charge 

Note: After regular opening hours, NIS 20 admission to the exhibition “Herod the Great.” Entry from 8 p.m. is NIS 25.

In conjunction with the exhibition Color Gone Wild, there will be a host of activities on offer at the festival: kite-making workshops (NIS 30–40), parade of kites, meeting with a family of professional kite-flyers, kite-flying in the Art Garden (weather permitting) 

When? Tuesday, August 20, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

How much? Free admission for children