6 Best Performing Arts Venues in Jerusalem, Israel

This historical arts center is home base for two excellent local contemporary dance companies, Vertigo and Kolben. Additionally, the complex hosts an annual roster of independent theater, dance, musical productions, children's shows, art exhibitions, artist workshops, and festivals. Historically, it's known as the venue where Nazi officer Adolph Eichmann was put on trial in 1961, convicted of crimes against humanity, and sentenced to the death penalty.

The local and international crafts and lively concerts presented at this festival are a highlight of August. Located in the Sultan's Pool, an ancient reservoir in the Hinnom Valley beneath the walls of the Old City, the two-week event showcases crafts by Israeli and international artisans and features open-air concerts by top Israeli rock and pop performers. 

This world-renowned orchestra, which is based in Tel Aviv, performs locally at the International Convention Center, opposite the Yitzhak Navon train station. The venue also hosts traveling art exhibits and musicians from around the world.

Each August, local puppeteers and fellow artists from around the globe bring their creative productions to the festival organized by Jerusalem's Train Theater and held in its new Karon Theater playhouse. The shows are generally geared toward youngsters, although some are entertaining for the whole family or just adults. Many shows are in English or without words.

Also known as the Jerusalem Centre for the Performing Arts, this venue hosts some of the city's best plays, music, dance, and film screenings and is home to the annual Israel Festival. The 760-seat Henry Crown Auditorium is the home of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. The Israeli Camerata Orchestra plays occasional concerts here at 11 am on Friday. Some of the Hebrew plays have English subtitles. 

This venue—a single-screen cinema with a snack bar in an older building on a narrow lane—is a bit of a throwback to yesteryear's movie atmosphere. Its local following watches independent films, as well as the occasional blockbuster. Films are screened in their original language with Hebrew subtitles.