Sculptures Garden

The Sculpture Garden in Haifa, also known as the Haifa Sculpture Garden, is a unique open-air art space located in the picturesque Hadar neighborhood on Zionism Avenue. This is not just a park, but a significant cultural site in Israel, notable for being the first sculpture park in the world created entirely by a single female sculptor.

In the garden, visitors are greeted by 29 bronze sculptures, each a creation of the talented Jewish-Swiss artist Ursula Malbin. Her works are executed in a realistic style and depict touching scenes from everyday life: children playing and making music, tender images of mothers with infants, as well as figures of domestic animals and other everyday themes. These sculptures create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, inviting a leisurely walk and contemplation.

The park is also known by the name "Mitzpor Shalom," which can be loosely translated from Hebrew as "Peace Lookout." This name perfectly reflects the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the garden, where art harmoniously blends with nature, offering visitors a moment of rest and aesthetic pleasure in the heart of Haifa.

To visit the Sculpture Garden in Haifa, you can use public transportation or a taxi, as it is a popular tourist destination. Since the Sculpture Garden is a public space, specific contact information for visitors is generally not required.

We recommend checking the exact location and opening hours on the official Haifa tourism portals or at local information stands to plan your visit in the best way possible.

The Sculpture Garden in Haifa invites visitors for an engaging walk into the world of open-air art. The garden's main treasures are the 29 bronze sculptures created by the talented Ursula Malbin. Each work is a frozen moment of everyday life, whether it's children playing, tender mothers with infants, or domestic animals, making them relatable and understandable to every viewer.

The main activity in the Sculpture Garden is, of course, a leisurely viewing of these expressive works. Visitors can stroll along well-maintained paths, stopping at each sculpture to examine the details and absorb the author's intent. It is a wonderful place to take memorable photos against the backdrop of unusual art objects or simply relax in the calm, peaceful atmosphere created by both the sculptures themselves and the surrounding landscape.

In addition to discovering Ursula Malbin's work, the Sculpture Garden offers another pleasure — magnificent panoramic views of Haifa and its surroundings. The combination of art and scenic landscapes makes this place attractive not only to sculpture enthusiasts but to everyone seeking aesthetic enjoyment and the chance to enjoy peace and beauty away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Sculpture Garden is nestled in the Hadar neighborhood of Haifa, on the picturesque Zionism Avenue (Sderot HaZionut in Hebrew). Its convenient location, close to the famous Baha'i Temple, makes it easily accessible. Situated in the central part of the city, the park attracts many tourists and locals wishing to enjoy open-air art.

You can reach the Sculpture Garden in several ways. Public transport is the most convenient option for many — numerous buses run through Haifa with routes passing right by the park. Additionally, you can always take a taxi to the entrance or arrive by private car if you prefer more independence in your movements and plan to explore other parts of the city.

The Sculpture Garden in Haifa is inextricably linked with the name of Ursula Malbin, a talented artist whose works form the basis of this unique open-air exhibition. Ursula immigrated to Israel from Geneva in 1967 and settled in the picturesque artists' village of Ein Hod. By the time the garden was created, her sculptures had already gained recognition, gracing many museums and private collections worldwide. Throughout her prolific career, Ursula Malbin was honored with 12 prestigious international awards, including the gold medal from the French Academy of Arts, which she received in 1995.

The idea for the park was born quite spontaneously. Over time, a significant number of works had accumulated in the courtyard of Ursula's villa in Ein Hod, and the artist decided to share her creativity with the general public. Thus, in 1976 (or 1979 according to some sources, with the participation of then-Mayor Aryeh Gural), the Sculpture Garden officially opened. Initially, the collection consisted of 18 sculptures, but over time the park was enriched with new works, and today you can see 29 bronze figures, each conveying special emotions and moments of life.

The garden's history has not been without dramatic moments. In 2005, one of the sculptures — a figure of a boy with a ball, weighing about 200 kg and valued at 50,000 shekels — was stolen from the park. Despite a 5,000-shekel reward offered for information leading to its return, the sculpture was never found. This incident deeply saddened the creator but did not break her spirit. Later, Ursula Malbin created a new sculpture depicting a girl with a ball and installed it in place of the lost work, symbolizing the inexhaustible power of art and creativity.

When planning a visit to the Sculpture Garden in Haifa, it is recommended to set aside approximately 1-2 hours. This time is usually sufficient for most visitors to fully explore the exhibition and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique place.

During this time, you can take a leisurely walk through the entire garden and carefully examine each of the 29 expressive sculptures created by artist Ursula Malbin. You will have the opportunity not only to appreciate the artworks but also to soak in the special, peaceful atmosphere of the park and enjoy the scenic views from its grounds. Of course, there will also be time to take some memorable photos.

Thus, a visit to the Sculpture Garden will be a pleasant and meaningful stop on your Haifa itinerary. It won't take all day, but it will provide vivid impressions and introduce you to an interesting cultural site in the city.

To find out the exact opening hours of the Sculpture Garden in Haifa, as well as whether advance ticket booking is necessary, it is recommended to check the attraction's official website or inquire at local tourist centers. Generally, such park areas are open for visits throughout the year; however, opening hours may change depending on the season and weather conditions.

Planning ahead will help you avoid inconvenience and fully enjoy your visit to this unique place. Checking current information will allow you to choose the most suitable time for your visit.

After enjoying the unique atmosphere and artworks in the Sculpture Garden, don't rush to leave this area of Haifa. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the city's culture and diversity, discovering new interesting places and gaining a fuller understanding of life in Israel.

Very close to the Sculpture Garden are other attractions that can enrich your itinerary. Whether it's historical monuments, cultural centers, or just cozy spots for relaxation, getting to know them will make your trip even more fulfilling and memorable.