The Ben-Gurion House gives Sde Boker a clear historical focus. David Ben-Gurion lived and worked in the original hut in Kibbutz Sde Boker; the home of Paula and David Ben-Gurion has been preserved as it was on the day Ben-Gurion died in 1973. David Ben-Gurion’s home was opened to the public in 1974. Interactive exhibitions, videos, original exhibits, and themed stations about his ideas, values, and decisions complement the original residence.
Residence, Exhibition, and Tour
An exhibition focuses on Ben-Gurion’s connection to Sde Boker and his vision for the Negev. Photos, quotes, and video clips compare this vision with the present-day reality. The exhibition thus brings together the history of the house and questions about the development of the Negev: the visual materials relate Ben-Gurion’s vision to what has become of it today. Visitors who want to learn not only about his biography but also about his perspective on the Negev will find a clear thematic focus here.
The residence’s study contains around 5,000 books in approximately nine languages. These approximate figures give an idea of the collection’s size. As a tangible space, it complements the exhibitions about Ben-Gurion’s ideas and decisions with a concrete aspect of his work.
The hut is open to individual visitors and groups. A tour lasts about an hour and a half and can be adapted to the needs of each group. This approximate duration makes it possible to plan the tour as a separate activity. Check the latest visitor information before you travel.
Canyon, Water, and Desert Birds
The surrounding area offers a different focus from the historic house. At the foot of Midreshet Ben Gurion, the Tsin Stream has carved a deep canyon; three springs feed the stream, which flows year-round. While the Ben-Gurion House offers a biographical and historical perspective, the canyon and watercourse shape the landscape along the Tsin Stream. This contrast can help you decide whether to focus on history or nature during your stay in Sede Boker.
Further afield, En Avdat National Park is near Ben-Gurion’s family tomb and Midreshet Sde Boker. The entrance to En Avdat National Park is about 3 km south of Kibbutz Sde Boker. The park has a flowing waterfall and a pool at its foot. Caves overlooking the Ein Avdat Canyon were used by monks for seclusion during the Byzantine period. The waterfall, pool, and caves reveal different aspects of the site: water shapes the landscape, while the caves also point to the historic use of the canyon area.
Another connection with nature is the birdwatching center in the entrance hall of the Tzinim Cliffs Nature Reserve. It is south of Midreshet Ben-Gurion and north of Avdat National Park. A film and interactive stations offer a playful introduction to life in the desert and the main threats facing desert birds. Unlike the canyon and water features, the center draws attention to birdlife and the challenges of the desert habitat.
Discover more destinations: Mishmar HaNegev, Be'er Ora, Mashabei Sadeh, Eilat, Mitzpe Ramon, Ashkelon, Giv'ot Bar, Ashdod
For the broader travel overview: Southern District.
