062 President Hotel

Architects: Alexander Friedman and Meir Rubin, 1954

An open house and tours of this legendary Jerusalem building, which was unoccupied for about 30 years. It was recently renovated by Social Space – a project which converts abandoned properties into social and cultural centers that remain in operation until building permits are issued for those properties.

When it opened, the President Hotel was one of the most elegant hotels in Jerusalem and one of the first to have a swimming pool. After it closed down, the building served as an absorption center for new immigrants, and also housed the offices of the Israel Coins & Medals Corporation. Today, the building is a social, community and cultural incubator for artists and creators in different fields, which draws visitors from all parts of the city. The guided tour of the property, led by Daniel Gabay from Social Space, will recount the story of the hotel, describe the social and art-related activities that take place there today, and discuss the future plan for the venue that is being designed by the architecture firm, MVRDV.

A number of artists will open their studios during Open House Weekend: Studio 6, Forest Lake Jewelry, TaLis Gallery, Devarim Yafimo, and The Garage.

The spring edition of the Jerusalem Biennale will also be held at the same time.

Guided tours led by Daniel Gabay will be held on both Thursdays at 19:30.