Gesher Haziv offers several distinct cultural points of interest: the Laundry Gallery brings together the history of its building and changing art exhibitions; on the edge of the community, artists display their work and offer workshops; and the workshop grounds are home to the Achziv boutique winery. There is also Yad LaYad, a memorial site about half a kilometer north of the kibbutz. If you are looking for accommodation in Gesher Haziv, you can plan your stay around these different interests.
Local History at the Laundry Gallery
The Laundry Gallery building was constructed between 1939 and 1942 and served as the British Army headquarters during the Mandate period. On January 27, 1949, when the founders of Gesher Haziv kibbutz moved to the site, the building was renovated and used as the kibbutz’s first clothing storehouse. Two periods in its history can therefore be distinguished: its military use during the Mandate period and its early use by the kibbutz.
The Laundry Gallery hosts changing art exhibitions by artists from Gesher Haziv and the surrounding area. The building’s history and the exhibitions offer distinct cultural points of interest. Since the exhibitions change, check dates in advance if you want to plan your visit around them.
Artists’ Workshops and One-Time Offerings
The Gesher Haziv artists’ workshops are located on the edge of the community. They include galleries where artists display their work, as well as spaces where they offer workshops. The works on display include painting, etching, sculpture, ceramics, and ironwork; candles and soaps made from natural olive oil are also available.
The workshops host one-time workshops and activities for adults and children. Coordinate your visit and the offerings in advance. This lets you experience the workshops both as a place to see art on display and through their workshops.
Wine and Tastings at Achziv Winery
The Achziv boutique winery, owned by painter and winemaker Mark Goberman, is located on the artists’ workshop grounds at the edge of the kibbutz. It offers explanations of the winemaking process and wine tastings. Short wine workshops are also available, including tastings of four types of wine and light refreshments. The formats have different focuses: the explanations center on winemaking, while the workshops include four types of wine and light refreshments. Call the winery before visiting to coordinate arrangements.
Memorial Site North of the Kibbutz
Nearby is Yad LaYad, about half a kilometer north of Gesher Haziv. The memorial commemorates 14 Palmach fighters who fell during Operation “Night of the Bridges.” It offers a distinct historical point of interest alongside the kibbutz’s art and wine offerings.
Archaeological Attractions in the Broader Northern District Destination
In the broader Northern District destination, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo offer distinct archaeological points of interest. At Tel Hazor, the visit focuses on the Upper City. It includes Solomon’s Gate, dating to the 10th century BCE, with six chambers and two towers. The excavated shaft is 45 meters deep; in the water system, steps three meters wide are cut into the walls of the vertical shaft. The underground water-collection system is an advanced, geographically adapted engineering achievement for storing water.
The orthogonal Iron Age city plan at Tel Megiddo has few parallels in the Levant. The Early Bronze Age temple complex at Tel Megiddo is considered exceptional because of the number of its temples, the continuity of its cult practices, and its documented ritual activities.
Discover more destinations: Yeroáş–am, Beit Hanania, Elon, Nazaret, Afikim, Kfar Rut, Khavat Yair, Bustan Hagalil.
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