Hutzot Hayotzer Artists Colony

Jerusalem

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DESTINATIONS israel jerusalem Shopping Hutzot Hayotzer Artists Colony

Hutzot Hayotzer Artists Colony

Established in 1967, this lane hosts more than 20 art shops: come for a variety of handmade craft products, including jewellery, metal art, paintings, sculptures, photography, and pottery. You can meet the creators in a lively environment, and find both traditional and modern items. The Collective is found near the Mamilla Mall and on the way to the Old City. In August, during the Jerusalem Arts and Crafts Festival, you can visit the artists' studios and listen to live music at night.

Shopping

Typical art, craftwork and souvenirs can be found in the touristic areas of the Old City and the Mahane Yehuda Market, as well as the Downtown triangle — especially Ben Yehuda Street. Look for clothing, jewellery, local pottery (the Armenian tradition is particularly beautiful), Palestinian embroidery, and so on. Of course, there's plenty of religious craft work from different faiths: along with crucifixes and nativities, you'll find menorahs (typical seven-branched Hebrew lamps), mezuzahs (parchments with verses from the Torah), and Judaica (Jewish ceremonial art). Nearby King David Street hosts a plethora of art galleries exhibiting works by local talents, many of which graduated from Jerusalem's Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. The Hutzot Hayotzer Artists Colony is another good spot for visual artwork. Those into fashion should head to Bezalel Street and Shatz Street, where they will find the best of Israeli design and international galleries. The Mamilla Avenue, between the Old City and the Downtown area, is a well-furnished shopping centre. Prices can vary from shop to shop and, since most sellers don't accept returns, it's better to compare prices before buying an item. Bargaining — in a polite way — is a common practice at most tourist shops.