Gesher Haziv: Art, History and Wine

Gesher Haziv brings together kibbutz history, changing art, and wine. The Laundry Gallery building was used as the British Army headquarters during the Mandate period and later became the kibbutz’s first clothing storehouse; it now hosts changing art exhibitions. Artists’ studios and the Achziv boutique winery add arts and crafts, workshops, and wine-related offerings. This gives you several thematic ways to plan your trip.

History in the Building and in Remembrance

The Laundry Gallery building was constructed between 1939 and 1942 and served as the British Army 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 change from British headquarters to clothing storehouse marks two distinct chapters in the building’s history. The Laundry Gallery hosts changing art exhibitions by artists from Gesher Haziv and the surrounding area, adding a contemporary artistic dimension to its historical uses.

Yad LaYad offers a different historical perspective, about half a kilometer north of Gesher Haziv. The memorial commemorates 14 Palmach fighters who fell during Operation “Night of the Bridges.” While the Laundry Gallery tells the story of a building’s changing uses, Yad LaYad focuses on remembrance.

Artists’ Studios and Creative Activities

The Gesher Haziv artists’ studios are located on the edge of the kibbutz. The complex includes galleries where artists display their work, as well as spaces where workshops are offered. The range of activities includes painting, etching, sculpture, ceramics, and ironwork, as well as candles and soaps made from natural olive oil. The studios bring together exhibited work and workshop offerings. One-off workshops and activities are held for adults and children; arrange visits in advance.

Wine at the Artists’ Complex

The Achziv boutique winery, owned by Mark Goberman, a painter and winemaker, is located on the artists’ studios’ grounds on the edge of the kibbutz. Explanations of the winemaking process and wine tastings are offered there. The short wine workshops include tastings of four types of wine and light refreshments. If you’re planning a visit, arrange it by phone with the winery.

Choose the Right Focus

When looking for a vacation rental, consider which themes you’d like to shape your stay: the history of the Laundry Gallery and remembrance at Yad LaYad, the art and studio offerings, or winemaking and tastings. For travelers with children, the one-off activities for adults and children are a practical consideration when planning. This lets you choose where to stay based on your trip’s interests.

A Look at the Northern District

Within the broader Northern District destination, Tel Megiddo is one of the biblical tells representative of places with significant remains of cities associated with biblical history. This regional perspective offers a different historical emphasis from the kibbutz history and remembrance in and near Gesher Haziv.

Discover more destinations: Migdal, Udim, Maagan, Ein Tzurim, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Eshtaol, Avdon, Beit Hashita

For the broader travel overview: Israel.