Gesher Haziv: Art, History and Wine

When planning a trip to Gesher Haziv, local points of interest range from the history of a building to arts and crafts and wine. The Laundry Gallery highlights the building’s history and features changing exhibitions, the artists’ workshops offer a range of art and craft techniques, and Achziv Winery focuses on winemaking and tastings. A memorial site north of the village also commemorates a historic event. The archaeological sites of Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo are located in the wider Northern District destination.

History and art at the Laundry Gallery

The Laundry Gallery building was constructed between 1939 and 1942 and served as the British Army’s headquarters during the Mandate period. On January 27, 1949, when the founders of Kibbutz Gesher HaZiv moved to the site, it was renovated and used as the kibbutz’s first clothing storehouse. The building thus reflects two distinct historical uses: its former role as a military headquarters and its later use by the kibbutz.

The Laundry Gallery hosts changing art exhibitions by artists from Gesher HaZiv and the surrounding area. The historic part of the building reflects its former use, while the works on display change. Together, these aspects give the gallery distinct connections to the village’s history and artistic community.

Artists’ workshops: works and workshops

On the edge of Kibbutz Gesher HaZiv, the artists’ workshops include galleries where artists display their work and spaces where they offer workshops. The range spans painting, etching and sculpture to ceramics and ironwork. It also includes candles and soaps made from natural olive oil. The different materials and techniques offer a tangible sense of the breadth of the workshops’ artistic offerings.

The workshops host one-off sessions and activities for adults and children. Visits and activities must be arranged in advance. If you are interested in arts and crafts, these workshops differ from an exhibition visit: the focus here is on the activities offered and hands-on work.

Wine at Achziv Winery

Located on the grounds of the artists’ workshops on the edge of the kibbutz, the boutique Achziv Winery belongs to painter and winemaker Mark Goberman. It offers explanations of winemaking and wine tastings. Short wine workshops include tastings of four varieties of wine and light refreshments. The winery therefore offers a different focus from the galleries and workshop spaces: the emphasis is on wine and how it is made. Arrange your visit with the winery by phone.

Memorial site north of Gesher HaZiv

About half a kilometer north of Gesher HaZiv is the Yad LaYad memorial site. It commemorates 14 Palmach fighters who fell during Operation “Night of the Bridges.” The memorial adds the remembrance of this historic event to the village’s history.

Archaeology in the wider Northern District destination

Within the wider Northern District destination, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo are distinct archaeological attractions. A visit to Tel Hazor focuses on the Upper City. Its structures include Solomon’s Gate, with six chambers and two towers dating to the 10th century BCE. A Canaanite palace was used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE.

Tel Hazor also preserves significant remains of an underground water-collection system. The excavated shaft is 45 meters deep, with steps three meters wide carved into its walls. The system represents sophisticated engineering adapted to the geographic conditions for storing water. At Tel Megiddo, meanwhile, a biblical tell preserves significant remains of a city with biblical associations. The Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional in the number of its temples, the continuity of its religious activity and the documented ritual practices. The orthogonal Iron Age city plan has few parallels in the Levant.

Discover more destinations: Hurfeish, Kfar Saba, Kfar Tabor, Ein Harod, Metulla, Kerem Maharal, Tzofar, Bustan Hagalil

For the wider travel overview: Israel.