Jerusalem Architecture Festival Offers Free Tours of Hidden Spaces

The "Houses in the City - Jerusalem" urban architecture festival is returning to Jerusalem from October 15-17 and October 22-24. The event provides a unique opportunity to explore the city through access to private homes, historic buildings, construction sites, and urban spaces not typically open to the public. This year marks the festival's 20th anniversary, featuring tours and activities designed to help visitors rediscover Jerusalem's architectural narrative and its diverse communities.

Initiated by the Jerusalem Municipality and the Jerusalem Development Authority, the festival is inspired by the international Open House Worldwide initiative, which hosts similar events in global cities like London, New York, and Rome. Admission to all tours is free, though participation may be subject to specific registration requirements for each event.

A highlight of this year's program is a tour of the Tiferet Yisrael Synagogue in the Old City's Jewish Quarter. Attendees will get a glimpse of the historic structure just before its restoration and reconstruction are completed and it opens to the public. The tour will be led by architect Carlos Fross, who is overseeing the complex project.

The festival's program is diverse, catering to various interests. It includes tours of lesser-known sites and secret locations opening for the first time, behind-the-scenes looks, and special experiences created for the festival. Other categories include historical and community tours, architectural tours of new buildings and projects for professionals and enthusiasts, tours exploring art and literature in the city, visits to private homes showcasing different design styles, and tours focused on urban nature conservation and sustainability.