Sunday 7 August 2011

The Design Museum, Holon

Everyone visits Tel Aviv, but the city of Holon, less than half an hour away, boasts a world-class Design Museum which I had heard a lot about but had not yet looked in on. Last week the kids and I made the time to go and what a great time we had!
The building of the museum was planned and designed by Israeli industrial designer, artist and architect Ron Arad. The first thing that captures your eye when you approach the building are the brightly colored steel 'ribbons' weaving round and round, creating a fascinating structure that encompasses two gallery spaces, a design lab and an archival collection. A little over a year old, the outside of the museum building is frankly just as amazing as the exhibits.
The exhibition 'New Olds' is currently being shown at the museum. It examines new ways of looking at common materials and how to assemble (or re-assemble) them. Our favourites among the seventy exhibits were the colourful armchair made up entirely of balloons, the traditional looking carpet made up of hundreds of puzzle pieces and the bookshelf made of, what else, but books!
Accompanied by a museum guide, the kids and I became 'Design Detectives' for the morning. We took part in an investigative tour of the galleries, searching for particular materials, shapes, uses and ideas behind the works being showcased.
We spent a couple of hours there and then it was time to move on. It certainly won't be for the last time. I will be keeping an eagle eye on the museum's list of future exhibitions but honestly cannot wait to go back simply to ogle that amazing building once again!

2 comments:

Meeling said...

Very cool...what a neat Summer destination spot with your kids!!

Unknown said...

For a year now Ive wanted to visit the Design centre but I always have at least 3 children in tow. So maybe that'll be my bday gift to myself this year. Thanks loved the summary of your visit.

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