21 Restoring the Museum of the Underground Prisoners

Architect: Martin Ivanovich Eppinger, 1864; Restoration architects: Solar Architects

A tour with the restoration architects, Giora Solar and Dror Solar, who are in charge of restoring this historical landmark. Built in the 1860s next to the Russian Orthodox Church and not far from the Old City, it was originally used as a hostel for women pilgrims from Russia. During the British Mandate period, the building was converted into a prison where Arab and Jewish felons were incarcerated, in addition to members of the Jewish underground movements – Hagana, Etzel and Lechi.

Some years after that, a museum was opened on the premises, dedicated to the underground movements and their struggle to establish the State of Israel. It contains a reconstruction of the British Mandate prison, including the inmates’ cells, the workshops, the synagogue, the solitary confinement block, and the gallows.

The tour will include explanations about the history of the building, its role in Jerusalem at the beginning of the 20^thcentury, its architectural qualities, and the restoration works that have been carried out. Participants will also hear how the restored building has been integrated into the Russian Compound, which recently underwent a renewal process.