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The Museum of the History of Tel Aviv Jaffa earmarks one of the most important episodes in the genesis of Tel Aviv as an affluent neighborhood. It was on the site in April 11, 1909 that sixty-six families had assembled to participate in the lottery for the distribution of land in a new neighborhood known as Ahuzat Bayit. In 1910 the residents of the neighborhood changed the name to Tel Aviv. In time the neighborhood grew and took the shape of a city. Plot number 43 fell into the share of Meir and Zina Dizengoff. Meir Dizengoff went on to become the mayor of Tel Aviv. After the death of his beloved wife in 1930, Meir Dizengoff donated his house to Tel Aviv with the wish that it be turned into a museum. It was in 1936 that the house became the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The main hall of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art was used for the proclamation of the independence of Israel in May 1948.
The Museum of the History of Tel Aviv Jaffa Museum’s Main Hall now houses several items of great historical significance. Although most of the exhibits are original, there are some which are extremely accurate replicas. The chairs occupied by those present on the historic day of proclamation still stand in their places bearing the names of the occupants. On the centre stage is the picture of Theodor Herzl flanked by national flags on either side. The Museum of the History of Tel Aviv Jaffa Museum’s Main Hall also exhibits documents, invitations, broadcast, notes and many other items related to the proclamation. The Museum of the History of Tel Aviv Jaffa also allows the visitors to hear the ceremony’s recording as well as view the 16 minute footage of which delves into the history of the Museum as well as the events that were making news in the period.
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