About the White City of Tel Aviv

The White City of Tel Aviv is home to the world’s largest collection of over 4,000 buildings of Bauhaus and International Style architecture and the first modern city in Israel. In 2003, UNESCO declared the White City a modern World Heritage Site, recognising Tel Aviv as an example of large-scale urban planning and architectural excellence.

White City History

When the Nazis rose to power in Germany, tens of thousands of Jews fled Germany to settle in Israel (then known as the British Mandate of Palestine). Many came to Tel Aviv and housing was urgently needed. The Bauhaus architecture was selected due to its minimalist approach. The architects adapted their designs and made accommodations for the hot climate by using less glass to minimise heat, making flat roofs so that these could be used as outdoor social spaces and incorporating long narrow balconies to catch the Mediterranean breezes and sun-breakers to provide shade.

White City Area

The White City has grown into one of the city’s coolest and trendiest districts with a vibrant atmosphere and streets lined with cafes, restaurants and boutiques. The best way to experience the White City is to walk along Rothschild Boulevard where many of the buildings have been restored to their original glory.

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