Bezalel Academy Campus Opens In Jerusalem (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 08/08/23

Jerusalem, Israel - Aug. 8, 2023  - Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design on the new Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Bezalel Campus has opened its doors to the public in Jerusalem, Israel.  Initially proposed in 2013, the project for Israel’s leading school of the arts broke ground in 2015. 

The structure is made of Jerusalem stone, cement, and glass, with large glass windows surrounding the vast space. The campus is six stories high and features three different levels on each floor accessed by ramps and staircases. Another design feature is the 12 balconies with impressive views of Yerushalayim. 

The Bezalel Academy was established in 1906 by Jewish painter and sculptor Boris Schatz. The name was inspired by the talents of Bezalel, the artisan of the Mishkan. 

The new location is #1 Z'mora Street, near Jerusalem Municipality Safra Square and the Russian Compound, between Jaffa Road and the Underground Prison. Included in the new facility are a theater, extensive workspaces and equipment, and a store to purchase a variety of original crafted pieces. The buildings cover over 450,000 square feet.

Bezalel offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of arts and disciplines: architecture and urban design; fashion and jewelry; fine arts; glass and ceramics; industrial design; photography; screen-based arts; and visual communication. Degree programs are also offered in theory and policy of the arts and visual and material culture.

Until August 18, 2023, the graduate work of current students will be on display for the public to view in the new campus buildings.