The room where history was written comes back to life: Ben-Gurion House reopens

After a year and a half of renovation and preservation, thousands of books, documents, and furniture belonging to Israel's first prime minister have been returned to Ben-Gurion House in Tel Aviv. Among the items: a private library of over 20,000 books and the study from which he emerged to declare the establishment of the state. The house will reopen to the public in early December.

After a year and a half of extensive renovation and preservation work, thousands of books, documents, furniture, and personal belongings of Israel's first prime minister were returned today (Thursday) to Ben-Gurion House in Tel Aviv. The house, located at 17 Ben-Gurion Boulevard in Tel Aviv, was the private home of David and Paula Ben-Gurion, and in his will Ben-Gurion bequeathed it to the State of Israel out of a desire to preserve his legacy and make his home available to the public. Over the past year and a half, the house underwent renovation, painting, and preservation work, while carefully maintaining its original character and the historical details that make it one of the most important heritage sites in Israel. These days, preparations are being completed to restore the rooms and items to their familiar appearance, ahead of the house's reopening to the public at the beginning of December. Among the items returned to their places: Ben-Gurion's private library, containing over 20,000 books; the study from which he emerged to declare the establishment of the state; and the living room where Paula Ben-Gurion hosted leaders from Israel and around the world. Within the walls of the house, extraordinary historical events also took place, including the story of Moshe Sharett being locked in one of its rooms and Yitzhak Rabin's visit to Ben-Gurion on the eve of the Six-Day War. Nelly Markman, CEO of Ben-Gurion House in Tel Aviv, said: "It is moving to see Ben-Gurion House coming back to life and the thousands of books and personal belongings returning to their places. These are not just furniture and books, but items that witnessed the moments when the history of the State of Israel was written." According to her, the house is in its final preparations for opening and looks forward to hosting the public again.