STREET GAMES An architectural-interactive experience based on the books of architect David Kroyanker
First temporary exhibition at the recently-opened Tower of David Jerusalem Museum July 31, 2023 – April 1, 2024
The first temporary exhibition to join the permanent galleries of the recently opened new
Tower of David Jerusalem Museum Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, entitled Street Games: An architectural- interactive experience based on the books of architect David Kroyanker, opens on July 31, 2023.
The exhibition, which highlights Jerusalem’s unique architectural heritage and mosaic, offers an engaging, interactive, immersive educational experience aimed at stimulating the interest of the young and not so young visitors – of particular relevance for families during the summer vacation.
Street Games: an architectural-interactive experience based on the books of architect David Kroyanker explores Jerusalem's stone-clad architecture from the 16 th century onwards via touch screens that allow the visitor to wander the urban space, become acquainted with the city’s unique architecture and create a collage of their own Jerusalem building, while experimenting with innovative technological tools. Their individual work will be rendered on a touch screen through a special, easy-to-use app, built especially for the exhibit. Their personal collage will then be added to the collective new “street” projected on screens throughout the gallery - an imaginary street built of the personal interpretations of the visitors to the exhibit.
The visitor will also be able to receive their personal creation via email.
At the heart of the exhibition lies the unique architecture of Jerusalem, the city of stone with its mixture of architectural and building styles and its rich array of multiculturalism. As opposed to archaeological strata, which only emerge when later layers uncover earlier eras, all the architectural layers of Jerusalem are present in front of the visitor’s eyes in a crowded juxtaposition of styles and periods.
Varied architectures are an element connecting diverse cultures and histories; for every railing and wall, cornice and window in Jerusalem, there are significant local and international cultural influences. Some claim that the dramatic presence of stone “standardizes” the building facades and masks their unique elements. Indeed, at first glance, one who walks in the city does not notice the subtleties hiding in the building exteriors. A closer look, however, exposes the rich architecture existing in the city streets.
A visual lexicon of Jerusalem architectural elements has been created in an interactive database built for the visitor to recreate their own Jerusalem street. The Old City walls and five streets (Jaffa Road, Emek Refa’im, Ha-Nevi’im, Ramban and Me’a She’arim) were chosen as a starting point for discovering and exposing architectural and historical ideas presented in the exhibit. These streets represent a rich, varied architectural-historical array, each one a complete world of historical stories and architectural representation, with about ten prominent buildings that best represent architectural styles and unique elements.
Exhibit content is based on descriptions and texts from the books of architect and researcher David Kroyanker, who has described, cataloged, and researched architecture in Jerusalem for the last four decades.
Eilat Lieber, Director and Chief Curator of the new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum: “For thousands of years, Jerusalem has been subject to invasion, destruction and rebuilding. The city’s architecture, which has developed throughout its history, is unique and symbolic – there is no other city in Israel in whose buildings one can see all the cultures that have ruled there.
Jerusalem is the only city in the world built entirely with local stone. The new exhibition is compatible with the architectural structure of the Tower of David, a fortress used for thousands of years by the kings of Jerusalem, its defenders and residents. A fortress that consists of layer upon layer of buildings from various periods in the city's history. The exhibition allows visitors of all ages to learn about the city, its’ history and architecture, through games and creativity. Everyone is invited.”
Architect Dana Gordon, exhibition curator: "Our main goal in the exhibition is to create curiosity about the rich and varied architecture in Jerusalem. Throughout the exhibition, one can find information about the various elements, when were they built, who built them, and what was the concept behind their inclusion in the building. We wanted to create an experience that has within it a creative, non-judgmental side allowing for more than one right answer but, at the end, producing a result that makes the visitor proud. The visitors can use the “playing cards” freely in order to create a collage of an imaginary building that doesn’t need to conform to the limits of actual architectural plans.”
Chief Curator: Eilat Lieber Curator: Dana Gordon Exhibition Design: Studio de Lange
Artistic and Digital Media Director: Yoav Cohen
Special activities during August 2023:
There are guided tours in English included in the entrance price of the Museum Sunday – Friday at 10:00.
Activities for Families will include ;Join the Circus on August 7-9; 14-15; 20-24; 27-31 from 16:00 – 18:30.
Throughout August, the night experiences will run Sunday – Thursday and Saturday evenings. In addition, there are relaxed performances, audio accompaniments etc.
For more information on inclusion and access please contact the museum.
Summer opening hours: Sundays 12:00 – 20:00; Monday -Thursday 09:00 – 17:00; Friday and holiday eves 09:00 – 14:00
About the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum
Located at the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City, the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum resides within the ancient citadel, once the fortress defending the city. Following a $50 million conservation and renewal project, the new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum stands as a prominent cultural institution, intertwining the historical narrative of Jerusalem with its significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its archaeological excavations reveal the city's evolution across 3,000 years, while educational programs, guided tours, workshops, and lectures offer immersive learning experiences. The museum showcases temporary exhibitions featuring Jerusalem's contemporary expressions in art, design, architecture and more. The museum rests on the seam between modern and ancient Jerusalem and its towers offer spectacular 360-degree views of the entire city, new and old. As daylight fades, the citadel walls transform into a canvas for mesmerizing sound and light displays, projecting the history of Jerusalem and the tale of King David in huge breathtaking images. The museum, an independent nonprofit, strives to honor its commitment to preserving Jerusalem's rich heritage.
General information about accessibility at the museum Phone: 02-626-5393 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To order guided tours: 02-626-5347
To order tickets for the Night Experience: *2884 | 02-626-5333
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Photos by Silvia G. Golan
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