Set on a peak of Mount Carmel, the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art is a hub of elegant crafts, artifacts and works of art from Japan. The collection was started by a Holocaust survivor who hid these cherished items in Holland during World War II. Get a sense of the architectural intricacies and enchanting artistic touches of old-world Japan in this surprising spot in the Middle East.
As you stroll through the rooms and halls, notice the building’s wooden frames and translucent screen doors, which are typical in Japanese traditional architecture. Study the swords, ceramics and fans that adorn the walls. Inspect the pieces of contemporary Japanese art and appraise the historic works from the past several centuries.
The displays showcase only a small part of the total collection of more than 7,000 items at once, so you’ll see different prints, drawings, textiles and carvings each time you visit. Check out the Japanese texts in the library, which also serves as a serene cultural center. Here, you can get Japanese language instruction and find out about the art of flower arranging. Join a meditation class to truly embrace this tranquil setting.
Think about the rich and intriguing history of the museum, which was set up by Felix Tikotin, a Dutch Holocaust survivor and collector of Japanese art. After the war, he returned to uncover his hidden possessions and installed the museum here in 1959.
Note that the site opens daily from morning until late afternoon, with an earlier closing time on Fridays. Buy tickets at the museum and get discounts for kids.
The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art stands on the crest of Mount Carmel in the heart of Haifa. Ride a bus up the main boulevard to the stop beside the gallery. Explore the area for other treasures such as the Mané Katz Museum, the Bahá'í Gardens and the Haifa Zoo.
