# Art in Jerusalem

The Levantine city of Jerusalem has a rich and diverse artistic heritage, shaped by periods of prosperity, conquest, and religious transformation, all of which has profoundly influenced artistic expression across various mediums and styles. As a cultural crossroads for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the city's art has been shaped by a complex interplay of civilizations, religious traditions, and historical events. The city is home to ancient mosaics and illuminated manuscripts as well as modern and contemporary works. Today, the city is home to numerous galleries, museums, and cultural institutions, such as the Israel Museum and the Jerusalem Artists House, that showcase both local and international works. Despite challenges posed by political tensions and cultural divisions, Jerusalem remains a vibrant center for art.

## Ancient art (biblical period – 100 CE)

Art in ancient Jerusalem was deeply tied to religious expression, particularly in Jewish traditions. During the First Temple period (c. 960 BCE – 586 BCE), artistic expression was primarily seen in the architecture of Solomon's Temple, which was adorned with gold, bronze, and intricate carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and flowers. Archaeological remains from this period, including ivory plaques from the City of David, suggest a high level of craftsmanship.
The Second Temple period (516 BCE – 70 CE) saw the construction of the Herodian Temple, a magnificent structure adorned with marble and gold, reflecting Roman influences. The Western Wall, a surviving remnant of the Temple, still stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Jewish architecture.
Jewish art from this period largely avoided human representations due to religious prohibitions, instead focusing on geometric patterns, floral motifs, and symbolic imagery like the menorah, pomegranates, and shofars.

## Byzantine and early Christian Art (4th – 7th century CE)

Following the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, the city was rebuilt under Emperor Hadrian as Aelia Capitolina. However, with the Christianization of the Roman Empire in the 4th century, Jerusalem became a center for Christian art and architecture.
During this period, magnificent churches such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (built in 335 CE) were constructed. Byzantine mosaics, frescoes, and illuminated manuscripts flourished, depicting biblical scenes, saints, and Christian symbols. The Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic found in Jordan, provides a detailed depiction of Jerusalem from this period.

## Islamic and crusader art (7th – 12th Century CE)

With the Islamic conquest of Jerusalem in 638 CE, Islamic art and architecture became dominant in the city. The most iconic structure from this period is the Dome of the Rock (691 CE), built by the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik. The shrine’s golden dome and intricate blue tiles, decorated with Arabic calligraphy and geometric patterns, represent the pinnacle of early Islamic art.
The Crusaders (1099–1187 CE) introduced Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, constructing churches and fortifications. The Church of St. Anne and the remodeled Church of the Holy Sepulchre showcase Crusader-era artistic influences.

## Mamluk and Ottoman art (13th – 19th century CE)

During the Mamluk period (1250–1517 CE), Jerusalem saw the construction of ornate mosques, madrassas, and fountains. The Mamluks introduced elaborate tile work, Arabic calligraphy, and intricate geometric designs, many of which still adorn Jerusalem’s Old City.
Under Ottoman rule (1517–1917 CE), the city walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1535–1541), incorporating beautiful Persian tilework and Islamic calligraphy. Ottoman-era synagogues, such as the Hurva Synagogue, were decorated with elaborate Torah arks, stained glass, and colorful carpets.
Jewish art in this period saw a revival in illuminated manuscripts, Ketubot (marriage contracts), and silver ceremonial objects such as Kiddush cups and Torah crowns.

## British Mandate and Zionist art (1917–1948)

During the British Mandate (1917–1948), Jerusalem became a center for the burgeoning Zionist art movement. The Bezalel School of Art, founded in 1906 by Boris Schatz, played a crucial role in developing a modern Jewish artistic identity, blending European styles with Middle Eastern influences.
Artists such as Reuven Rubin and Abel Pann painted romanticized visions of the Land of Israel, often depicting biblical landscapes and pioneers. Art in this period reflected Jewish nationalism, biblical themes, and the revival of Hebrew culture.

## Modern and contemporary art (1948 – Present)

After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Jerusalem became a hub for contemporary Israeli art. The Israel Museum, opened in 1965, houses an extensive collection of Jewish, Islamic, and Western art, including the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.
The city's art scene today is diverse, encompassing religious art, modern painting, street art, and cutting-edge installations. Israeli artists such as Yigal Tumarkin and Sigalit Landau have used art to explore themes of identity, conflict, and spirituality. The Mahane Yehuda Market has become a center for vibrant street art, featuring murals that depict historical figures and contemporary issues.

## Notable institutions

* The Israel Museum: Israel's largest cultural institution, housing extensive collections in archaeology, fine arts, and Jewish art and life.
* Tower of David: Located near Jaffa Gate, this museum presents 4,000 years of Jewish Jerusalem's history using videos, holograms, models, and maps.
* The Yad Vashem Art Museum: As part of the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, this museum houses a vast collection of artworks created during the Holocaust, reflecting the resilience and creativity of artists under extreme conditions.
* Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design: Established in 1906, Bezalel is Israel's oldest and most prestigious institution for art, design, and architecture. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines, including fine arts, architecture, ceramics, industrial design, jewelry, photography, visual communication, and more. The academy is renowned for its pioneering originality, creativity, and innovation.
* Jerusalem Studio School: Founded in 1998 by internationally renowned painter Israel Hershberg, the Jerusalem Studio School offers intensive training in painting and drawing, deeply rooted in artistic traditions. The school is dedicated to excellence and has established itself as a leading art training program both in Israel and internationally
* Barbur Gallery: An independent art space in the Nachlaot neighborhood, hosting visual arts, theater, poetry, music, dance, and architecture events.
* Jerusalem Artists House: Located in the historic Bezalel Academy building, it exhibits works by Israeli and international artists.
* Museum on the Seam: A socio-political contemporary art museum addressing social issues through art.
* Vision Gallery: An art space exhibiting contemporary Israeli artists, aiming to display art that expresses deep emotions.
* Rosenbach Contemporary: Located on King David Street, this gallery is at the forefront of contemporary art in Jerusalem.
* Art Cube Artists' Studios: Located in the Talpiot industrial zone, this center provides studio spaces for emerging artists and hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, contributing to Jerusalem's contemporary art landscape.
* The School of Visual Theater (SVT): SVT focuses on the intersection of visual arts, performance, and theater.
* The Museum for Islamic Art: This museum showcases Islamic art and culture, featuring collections of pottery, textiles, jewelry, and ancient manuscripts, highlighting the rich artistic heritage of the Islamic world.
* Beit Avi Chai: Founded in 2007, Beit Avi Chai is a cultural center and art gallery located on King George Street. It aims to promote Jewish-Israeli culture, creativity, and identity through diverse artistic performances, academic lectures, public events, and visual art exhibitions. The center's modern design reflects its innovative approach to blending tradition with contemporary expression.