7 Best Performing Arts Venues in Center City, Jerusalem

This space houses various rotating exhibits, workshops, and lectures. It also serves as a home base for the annual Manofim Jerusalem Contemporary Art Festival and for local and visiting artists in residence.

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.

Run by a local collective of 50 multidisciplinary artists, this meeting place is housed in a 140-year-old abandoned estate behind the Waldorf Astoria that has been renovated into a cultural and artistic center. The factory produces and hosts exhibitions, concerts, parties, concept events, culinary events, and workshops.

Specializing in old, rare, and art films as well as more contemporary fare, this complex has four theaters, a café, and splendid views of the Old City and the Hinnom Valley from the terrace. Its monthly programs focus on specific directors, actors, or subjects. The annual Jerusalem Film Festival, held in July, attracts large crowds, as does December's Jewish Film Festival.

This 270-seat auditorium hosts lectures, concerts, and theater in Hebrew and English throughout the year, often on topics related to Jewish culture and history. Its lobby and second-floor gallery regularly host exhibits by well-known local artists.

Musical and theatrical performances fill the season at this theater. Most of the plays are in Hebrew, but some community theater performances are in English. Beit Shmuel also offers themed walking tours around Jerusalem.

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.