23 From a Lepers' House to a Creators' House

Architect: Conrad Schick, 1887; Restoration architects: Nahum Meltzer, 2013 and Moshe Shapiro, 2023

One of the most intriguing buildings in Jerusalem hides behind the stone wall surrounding Hansen House. Built in 1887 as an asylum for people suffering from leprosy, it was designed by the architect Conrad Schick and managed by the Moravian Church. It later housed the Hansen Government Hospital.  For over a century, the compound was off limits to the public and remained shrouded in mystery. After the hospital closed down in 2000, the building was unoccupied for about ten years until extensive restoration and renovation works were carried out there. It was reopened in 2013 under the name of the Hansen House Center for Design, Media and Technology, where it also offers spaces to creators and cultural institutions.

As part of this year’s Open House events, Hansen House Center will be open for tours of the building and the temporary exhibitions that are on display there. On both Fridays at 11:00, visitors can join a tour that traces the transformations that the compound has undergone – from an asylum that was established at the end of the 19^th century to the present-day Hansen House Center. The historical exhibition tells the stories behind the building, including those of some staff members who worked there and some patients who were residents.

On Friday, October 16^th, the Hansen House Center will host the Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra’s “Witches?” Festival – an annual event dedicated to women on the ‘front stage’ of music, including composers, performers, queens, patrons and heroes who have had an impact on music throughout history. For more information: click here

Friday, October 16^th  – a guided tour at 11:00.
Friday, October 23^rd – a guided tour at 11:00.