The Ilana Goor Museum occupies a historic building in Old Jaffa, at 4 Mazal Dagim Street, and combines an artist’s home with a museum. It is known as the Ilana Goor Residence and Museum, and it reflects the taste of the sculptor and designer who lived and worked in the building. The stone house sits on the old port’s slope, and its rooms, terraces and courtyards hold sculpture, furniture, folk art and design from many places and periods, displayed with the unfussy confidence of a private home rather than a gallery. Because the building’s own character is part of the experience, the visit feels intimate and a little surprising, with something unexpected around each corner and views toward the sea from the roof levels. It suits visitors who enjoy design, collecting and personal museums, and it adds an art stop to a day that might otherwise be only walking and eating. It is small enough to fit comfortably between the flea market and the harbor.
Why it matters
Old Jaffa is usually presented through its history and its alleys, and this museum adds a contemporary layer, showing how an artist turned an old stone building into a living work. It also offers a good reason to step off the main path and into the quieter streets above the port, where views and cooler stone interiors give a break from the sun.
How to visit
The museum is open most of the week, with shorter hours on Fridays, and admission is ticketed with lower prices for students, seniors and children and a family ticket, so confirm the current times and prices on the museum’s visit page. Paid parking is available at the Jaffa Port and flea market lots, and several bus lines and the light rail reach the area, with a short downhill walk from the flea market along Louis Pasteur Street.
Private tours and events can be arranged by contacting the museum. Expect stairs and uneven levels, as in much of Old Jaffa.
Pair it with
A walk through Old Jaffa’s lanes and the clock tower, the flea market for lunch and browsing, and the harbor for a late-afternoon drink. If you prefer more art, the Nahum Gutman Museum in Neve Tzedek makes a good companion visit on another day.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit through the rooms, terraces and courtyards of an artist’s residence filled with sculpture, furniture and folk art.
Best time
Weekday mornings or early afternoon, away from midday heat in Old Jaffa.
How long
About an hour to an hour and a half.
Tips
Hours are shorter on Fridays. Expect steps and uneven levels, and combine the visit with the flea market.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Design and art lovers who like personal, eclectic museums.
- Families
- Best with older children who enjoy art and objects, and mind the stairs with strollers.
- Couples
- A characterful, quiet stop within a Jaffa afternoon.
- Pair with
- The flea market, the clock tower and the harbor.
- Time needed
- Allow about 90 minutes.
Good questions
Where is the Ilana Goor Museum?+
It is at 4 Mazal Dagim Street in Old Jaffa, a short downhill walk from the flea market along Louis Pasteur Street.
What will I see?+
Sculpture, furniture, folk art and design in the rooms, terraces and courtyards of the artist’s former home.
How do I get there?+
Several bus lines and the light rail serve the area, and there is paid parking at the Jaffa Port and flea market lots.
Are there discounts?+
The museum has offered lower prices for residents, students, seniors and children, plus a family ticket. Bring ID where relevant.
Is it open on Fridays and Saturdays?+
It has opened on both days, with shorter hours on Fridays. Check the current times before you go.
