Drawing over 500,000 yearly visitors from Israel and abroad, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art sits as the anchor of the city’s central cultural hub. Originally located in the building where Israel’s independence was formally declared, the collection has since moved to a multi-floor complex that houses various exhibitions of different mediums, as well as a performance space and lecture halls. In addition, contemporary art is exhibited in the nearby Helena Rubinstein Pavilion.

The permanent collection of Israeli and international art is an obvious draw, yet the curatorial staff at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art has been admirable in its ability to import some fantastic temporary exhibitions. The most recent highlight was a much-anticipated David La Chapelle exhibit, which included the debut of several new pieces. In addition, the museum has an active art-house cinematheque, as well as a lively schedule of lectures, live music performances, and parties. For those seeking to indulge in a bit of highbrow culture, or simply to escape the Tel Aviv sun for a few hours, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art is a natural selection.