Last updated June 5th 2023

Tel Aviv has a diverse array of theaters, ranging from the National Theater (Habima) which stages huge, elaborate productions as well an more intimate ones, to the tiny Tmuna Theater, which focuses on avant garde theater. Although many theaters pride themselves in showing original Israeli productions, most of them also show international hits ranging from classic plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream to musicals like Cabaret. Many theaters have English subtitles.

Written by Caitlin  Beckwith-Ferguson. 


THE MAIN THEATERS

HABIMA THEATER

Habima Square, Sderot Tarsat 2

Founded in 1912, Habima – The National Theater of Israel is longest-existing and most well-respected theater in Israel. Habima’s plays have been celebrated at theater festivals around the world; they even performed The Merchant of Venice at the prestigious Globe Theater in London. Habima puts on a wide array of plays; some plays are well-known international hits such as A Streetcar Named Desire and My Fair Lady, and some are original Israeli plays often highlighting national issues such as Rabin’s legacy, Judaism, and the Israel/Palestine conflict. Many famous actors such as Yakov Cohen regularly perform at Habima. Tickets range from 200-300 NIS. Some plays have English or Russian subtitles. Read more


CAMERI THEATER 

Shaul HaMelech 19

The Cameri Theater is Israel’s other most well-known and respected theater. It is located in central Tel Aviv, close to the Azreili Center. The Cameri was a recipient of the Israel Award for contributing to Israeli society by showing Israeli dramas that highlight important Israeli issues. This theater shows a large amount of Israeli plays, but also shows some classical plays, modern dramas and musicals. The Cameri adds twelve new plays to their season every year, which show at one of their five auditoriums. Tickets range from 130-300 NIS. Some plays have English subtitles. Read more


BEIT LESSIN 

Dizengoff 101

BEIT LESSIN

Beit Lessin Theatre presents a diverse program of plays that reflect the social and cultural world of Israel. The theater tackles relevant and often challenging themes, addressing the complexities of Israeli society through the art of storytelling. Its productions often provide a platform for emerging Israeli playwrights and showcase the diversity of voices in Israeli theater. Read More


BEIT HAHAYAL

Weizman 60

Beit HaHayal, also known as the Soldiers’ House, is a cultural and recreational center in Tel Aviv. It is primarily dedicated to serving the needs of Israeli soldiers and veterans. The facility offers various services, activities, and resources aimed at promoting their well-being and providing a supportive environment. Read More


OTHER MAJOR PERFORMANCE VENUES

ISRAELI OPERA HOUSE

Shaul HaMelech 19

The Israeli Opera House, also known as the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center, was founded in 1985, and it serves as the premier venue for opera and classical music performances in Israel. Read More


CHARLES BRONFMAN AUDITORIUM

Dizengoff 11

The Mann Auditorium (Charles Bronfman Auditorium), or in Hebrew the Heichal HaTarbut (the Culture Palace), is the home of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. When they aren’t playing, the venue hosts concerts and conferences. The orchestra regularly performs at the venue, showcasing a repertoire that spans classical masterpieces, contemporary compositions, and special thematic programs. Read More


SUZANNE DELLAL CENTER

Yehieli 6

The Suzanne Dellal Centre for Dance and Theatre is Israel’s home for dance and the premier presenter of Israeli and international contemporary dance companies. Read More


NALAGAAT CENTER

Jaffa Port

A center that includes a theater with productions by deaf-blind performers, a cafe where deaf and hearing impaired waiters invite the guests to communicate in sign language, and BlackOut Restaurant, where blind and visually impaired waiters accompany the guests to a meal in total darkness. Every aspect of this center offers a life changing experience. Read More


FRINGE THEATER

GESHER THEATER

Sderot Yerushalaym 7

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Gesher Theater is located in Jaffa on beautiful, old Jerusalem Blvd. It is fairly new; it was established in 1991. Gesher was founded by Israeli-Russian immigrants, and represents a bridge between Israeli and Russian culture. Most of its productions are written by Russian writers (such as Anton Chekhov), but it also shows some international classics such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Tickets range from 100-300 NIS. Its productions alternate between Russian and Hebrew, as well as occasionally having English subtitles. Read more


JAFFA THEATER

Mifrats Shlomo Promenade 10

The Arab-Hebrew Theatre is located in Jaffa. It is a collaboration between two theater companies with Jewish and Arab artists, that work both independently on some productions, and together for others. The plays explore the rich diversity Arab and Jewish culture in Israel. Tickets range from 50-100 NIS.  Plays are in Hebrew and Arabic. Read more


TMUNA THEATER

Soncino 8

Tmuna Theater is a fringe theater that features avant garde theater. It houses all different types of productions including music concerts, dance shows, literature and poetry readings, and fine arts exhibitions. Tickets range from 50-100 NIS. Everything is in Hebrew. Read more


TZAVTA THEATER

Ibn Gvirol 30

The Tzavta Theater is a small independent theater located in the London Ministore. It hosts productions from private theater groups, for example Tziporela, an English comedy show. Read More


HABAIT THEATRE

No’am 5

Habait Theatre is located in the heart Jaffa Flea Market and it was founded in 2016. With two main stages, HABAIT Theatre offers a 170-seat theater hall for audience-facing shows and a modular bell box hall with a capacity of up to 100 seats. Read More


CLIPA THEATER

Ha’Rav Kook 37

Clipa Theater was founded in 1995 by the visionary duo Dmitry Tyulpanov and Idit Herman. This theater is a creative blend dance, design, and music. Read More


HASIMTA THEATER

Mazal Dagim 8

Hasimta Theater was established in 1981, it has been a vibrant hub for theatrical performances, comedy, and entertainment for over four decades. With its rich history and diverse programming, Hasimta has earned a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Read More


KAROV THEATRE TZAVTA

Levinski 116

The Karov Theatre, also known as the Karov Theatre Tzavta was established in 1978 as part of the Tzavta cultural center. Tzavta was originally founded in 1965 as a venue for cultural events and gatherings. Over time, it became a hub for artists, writers, musicians, and actors, fostering creativity and artistic expression. Read More


MALENKY THEATER

Khoma u-Migdal 32

Malenky Theater was founded in 1996 by talented immigrant artists from the former Soviet Union, Malenky Theater quickly established itself as a groundbreaking force in Israeli theater. Read More


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