Documenting Israel: 75 Years of Vision

The exhibition presents a unique collection of photographs by the renowned Magnum Photos agency, documenting Israel from the years prior to the establishment of the state through to the modern era. The works highlight key milestones and formative events that have shaped Israeli society and continue to influence and challenge it today.

A special guided tour invites visitors to explore the creative process and vision behind the museum’s establishment, from the initial planning stages to its full opening.

The exhibition curator, Anna Patricia Kahn, has carefully selected a distinctive body of work to tell the complex story of Israel and its people.

The exhibition brings together the Magnum Photos body of work, which traces Israeli society from before statehood to the present day, alongside an exploration of its complexities and challenges, in alignment with the museum’s broader vision.

Among the featured photographers are Robert Capa and David “Chim” Seymour, two renowned Jewish photographers who documented the establishment of the State of Israel and its early years between 1947 and 1956. Both gained international recognition for their coverage of wars and conflicts around the world, and their work offers an optimistic perspective on the young state that emerged in the aftermath of the Holocaust.

The exhibition also includes rare, never-before-seen photographs by Inge Morath, one of the first women to join Magnum Photos. Her work is presented alongside that of other leading photographers, including Israeli photographer Micha Bar-Am, Helmar Lerski, Bruce Gilden, and others.