1903
Professor Boris Schatz, one of the founders of the Royal Academy of Art in Sofia, Bulgaria, interests Theodor Herzl in his proposal to establish a school of arts and crafts in the Land of Israel.
1905
The Seventh Zionist Congress in Basel decides to establish the Bezalel School of Art.
1906
Professor Schatz establishes the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts on Ethiopia Street in Jerusalem. Its goals are: “To train people in Jerusalem in crafts, consolidate original Jewish art and support Jewish artists, and to find visual expression for the much yearned national and spiritual independence that seeks to create a synthesis between European artistic traditions and the Jewish design tradition of Eastern Europe, and to integrate it with the local culture of the Land of Israel.”
1908
Bezalel moves to its new buildings on what is today Jerusalem’s Shmuel Hanagid Street. New departments are opened and the school expands its scope of activities.
1914
Bezalel is a huge success until World War I cuts it off from its executive committee in Berlin, and from its patrons and supporters in Europe. This is the year in which the institution is forced to contend with political, financial and management difficulties.
1917
Bezalel is closed down before the British enter Jerusalem. The Turks decide to deport anyone they suspect might serve as a fifth column and accordingly, exile Schatz to Damascus (and later to Tiberias and Safed). The Bezalel school finds itself in a serious state of crisis until General Allenby enters Jerusalem in late 1917.
1918-1919
Schatz returns from exile and Bezalel is reopened.
1929
The Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts is temporarily closed down due to financial difficulties. Schatz goes abroad to raise funds for the school.
1932
Schatz dies in the United States while on tour with a traveling exhibition of works by Bezalel’s artists.
1935
The committee in Berlin reopens the New Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts now headed by renowned Berlin print artist Josef Budko. Many of the teachers are from Germany and are strongly influenced by the Bauhaus movement. The emphasis in Bezalel is placed on the study of typography and graphic and practical arts as an expression of the needs and socio-economic development of those years.
1940
Budko dies and Max Bronstein – otherwise known as artist Mordechai Ardon – is appointed in his place, a product of the Bauhaus school who taught in Johannes Itten’s art school. World War II brings serious difficulties, putting the school’s existence at risk.
1946
WIZO (Women’s International Zionist Organization) takes Bezalel under its wing and agrees to provide 50 percent of its budget.
1947
After World War II ends, the new Bezalel receives previously unavailable materials, such as natural linen. Many new students enroll in the school after the war, and for the first time, the number of students crosses the 100 mark, reaching 103. Among the new students are several survivors of the concentration camps in Europe.
1948
With the end of the War of Independence and the establishment of the State of Israel, the school’s integration into the national cause is viewed as an important contribution to the fledgling state. The teaching of arts and crafts as an academic subject begins to be held in far greater regard. The new Bezalel views itself as duty-bound to expand the teaching of the fine arts in Israel and to become Israel’s premier academy of arts.
1952
Ardon leaves Bezalel, and sculptor Zeev Ben-Zvi is appointed to succeed him. The government of Israel, aware of Bezalel’s historic importance and unique role, begins to participate in its funding. After a year, Ben-Zvi is succeeded by Yaakov Steinhardt, who is in turn followed by Yerahmiel Schechter, Yitzhak Aschheim and Felix Darnell.
1955
In early 1955, the “New Bezalel” is declared an “Academy of Art.” The student body grows to over 200 and the building is enlarged.
1958
The Bezalel Academy of Art is awarded the Israel Prize on the occasion of Israel’s tenth Independence Day.
1965
Dan Hofner is appointed to head Bezalel and works intensively to change the school’s legal, financial and academic status. This is also the year when Bezalel’s departmental structure begins to consolidate into its present form.
1966
The Department of Fine Arts is established.
1968
The Ministerial Committee for Economic Affairs decides to turn Bezalel into a government company. The Minister of Education and Culture and the Finance Minister appoint the members of Bezalel’s Board of Directors.
1969
The Minister of Education and Culture appoints a committee headed by Professor Hanani of the Technion. This committee recommends that the Council for Higher Education “make an effort to bring the Bezalel school up to the level of an institution of higher education”. The Council for Higher Education adopts the committee’s recommendations, appoints a selection and curriculum committee headed by Professor Danziger, and the name of the school is changed to “Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design”.
1973
The Danziger Committee recommends that the Committee confer on Bezalel the status of an institution of higher learning and promote its recognition as an academic institution.
1975
A committee headed by Professor Ezriel Evyatar recommends the granting of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) to the graduates of the Fine Arts, Jewelry and Ceramics departments, and a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) to the graduates of the Graphic Design, Environmental and Industrial Design departments. Bezalel’s academization process is completed as it is finally transformed from a school of arts and crafts to an institution of higher learning. The Council of Higher Education assumes responsibility for the school’s budgeting.
1978
The Morris Louis Gallery is opened in the Bezalel building through the generosity of Marcella Brenner.
1979
Professor Dan Hofner steps down as head of Bezalel and Ran Shehori is appointed to replace him.
The first stage of the consolidation of Bezalel’s academic bylaws, under the guidance of the supervisory committee appointed by the Council for Higher Education headed by Robert Werman, is complete.
1981
A request is submitted for the recognition of studies in the Department of Photography for a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A).
The vetting committee headed by Professor Mansfeld submits a favorable recommendation.
1982
A contract is signed with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Council for Higher Education regarding the construction of a building for Bezalel on Hebrew University’s Mount Scopus campus. The detailed planning process is begun.
1983
The Department of Environmental and Industrial Design is divided into two independent departments. A request is submitted to allow the Department of Environmental Design to grant an academic degree in architecture. The Ministerial Committee on Economic Affairs decides to transfer all of Bezalel’s activities, assets, rights and liabilities from the status of a government company to that of a nonprofit organization operating an institution of higher learning. The Bezalel Non-profit Association is officially registered.
1984
A committee headed by Professor Aryeh Shahar of the Hebrew University begins to examine the possibility of recognizing Bezalel’s architectural track.
1985
Renovations of the Weiler building on Mount Scopus begin.
1986
Three departments – Environmental Design, Jewelry Design and Photography –begin to hold regular studies on the Mount Scopus campus.
Similarly, the Registrar of Students, History & Theory Department, Dean’s Office and Student Union are moved to the new building.
1987
Planning is completed and construction begins on the new Benjamin H. Swig wing of the Bezalel building.
1990
All of Bezalel’s departments and administration move to the new campus on Mount Scopus.
The Council for Higher Education authorizes the opening of a first year of studies in the Department of Photography every year (previously, the studies had been opened only every second year).
1991
The Council for Higher Education allows Bezalel to grant an academic degree in architecture to those completing five years of study in the program (starting from the 1992-1993 academic year). Professor Ran Shehori is succeeded by Dr. Ran Sapoznik as head of Bezalel.
1992
On May 24, 1992, an exhibition of the Department of Architecture is opened in the presence of Bezalel’s Board of Governors, in the historic building located at
1 Bezalel Street. The intent to return the school’s activities to the city center is officially declared.
1993
For the first time in Bezalel’s history, a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) is awarded to those completing the course of study in the new Department of Architecture.
1994
The academic senate decides to integrate the Video Unit into the course of study in the Department of Photography.
1995
Bezalel, together with the Hebrew University, decides to open a joint study program for a Master of Fine Arts. In the Department of Graphic Design, The Raphael Frank Gallery, and Michael Rosner Faculty Lounge are open to Bezalel faculty.
The construction of the library, slide library (V.I.B. – Visual Information Bank) and the new wing of the Jack D. Weiler Department of Architecture are completed.
1996
Bezalel celebrates its 90th anniversary.
In January, the “Ancient Capital Cities” exhibition is opened in the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem, the result of collaboration with the Department of Architecture. In March, a workshop and international conference are held in the Department of Architecture on the subject “Jerusalem – Utopia and Daily life”. In May, the International Judaica Fair is opened in cooperation with the Departments of Jewelry Design and Ceramic Design. In June, an exhibition of Judaica artifacts is opened, a collaboration between the Rosenthal Company and the Department of Ceramic Design; and in the Tower of David in David’s Citadel, a fashion show is held exhibiting swimwear and body accessories, the result of collaboration between the Gottex swimwear firm and Bezalel’s Department of Jewelry Design. In the presence of the Board of Governors, the Department of Fine Arts is named after Blanche and Romie Shapiro, and in Bezalel’s historic building, an exhibition of the work of Professor Dan Hofner, Bezalel’s president between 1964-1979, is opened.
1997
For the first time, Bezalel opens an advanced education study program in art, the Bezalel Young Artists’ Program. The classes are held in the Bezalel building in Jerusalem’s city center, which has been restored as a center of creative artistic activity.
1998
As part of Israel’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Bezalel opens the “Continuity and Change” exhibition in the International Congress Center in Jerusalem, exhibiting 92 years of Judaica at Bezalel, curated and designed by Shmuel Ben Sasson. The Mildred and Philip Goodkin Educational Resource Center is established.
1999
After exhibitions in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem during the year, the “Continuity and Change” exhibition begins to tour the world and in July, the exhibition is opened to the public in the Jewish Museum of Vienna.
The Rothschild Caesarea Foundation decides to support the development of the Department of Visual Communications, and from this time on, the department is known as the Caesarea Edmond Benjamin de Rothschild Foundation Department of Visual Communications.
2000
The academic senate authorizes the Master’s programs in the Department of Architecture and the Department of Industrial Design, and the programs are submitted to the Council for Higher Education. The second phase of the renovation of the Bezalel building in the city center and its adaptation for the Department of Architecture begins, and with the opening of the 2000-2001 academic year, the building once again becomes part of Jerusalem’s urban fabric.
2001
A branch of Bezalel is opened in Tel Aviv. It includes a study gallery, a Master’s and advanced education program in the Department of Fine Arts and the Department of Photography.
2002
The Board of Governors adopts the recommendations of the committee headed by Dr. Dan Ronen to change Bezalel’s academic-administrative structure and outline a new set of bylaws.
The Council for Higher Education authorizes Bezalel’s request to launch a Master’s program in Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in cooperation with the Hebrew University, and a Master’s program in Industrial Design (M.Des).
2003
Studies towards a Master’s degree in Fine Arts (M.F.A.) and Industrial Design (M.Des.) are launched.
The academic Senate authorizes the opening of a fashion track in the Department of Jewelry Design slated to start in 2004, and the establishment of a Video and New Media Unit, which is the first step towards a four-year diploma program to start in 2004.
The “Bezalel Flowers” program is launched in cooperation with the Shahar department of the Ministry of Education, the city of Jerusalem, and Perach tutorial project. The program involves the integration of Jerusalem elementary and junior-high school children in morning and afternoon studies at Bezalel.
Bezalel opens additional workshops as well as a design gallery on Abulafya Street in Tel Aviv.
Dr. Ran Sapoznik steps down as president of Bezalel. During his term, Bezalel underwent impressive development in academic, physical and financial areas.Professor Arnon Zuckerman is appointed to serve as president of Bezalel, beginning in the 2004-2005 academic year.
2004
Dr. Yaara Bar-On is appointed the vice president of academic affairs.
The Master’s program in Industrial Design (M.Des) is authorized by the Council for Higher Education. The first Master’s students graduate.
An exhibition of work by Master’s Degree students in Fine Arts and advanced education is held in Tel Aviv and receives wide acclaim. A unique program of interdepartmental courses for advanced studies is opened for the first time. The programs are planned for the 2004-2005 academic year.
Renovations of the historic building in the city center begin to prepare it for housing the Department of Architecture during the 2005-2006 school year.
2005
The Master's Program in Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in collaboration with the Hebrew University was certified by the Council of Higher Education. The first year of Master's degree Art students concluded its studies. The multidisciplinary course program was first implemented in the 2005 school year.
A decision was reached in the administrative committee on moving the Bezalel Mount Scopus campus back to the center of the city. The Ministerial Committee on Jerusalem Affairs approved allocation of the Russian Compound with the intention of bringing Bezalel back to the center of town.
The first conference of the History and Theory Department takes place: Theory and Practice – Parallel Lines
2006: One Hundred Years since the Establishment of Bezalel
January 4, 2006 – Opening of the centennial events with the participation of the President, the Vice Prime Minister and Mayor of Jerusalem and opening of the exhibit on Professor Boris Schatz – founder of Bezalel, at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
January – an exhibit of 18 industrial designers from Bezalel opens at the Cooper- Hewitt American National Museum of Design, in New York, U.S.A.
Lag Ba'Omer 5766 (May 15, 2006) – the hundred year birthday of Bezalel's establishment. Renewal of the "Bezalel Notable Persons" tradition and the certificate awarding ceremony for the following "Bezalel Notable Persons" takes place at the President's residence in the year of the centennial: Mr. Morton Mandel, Ms. Marcella Brenner, Prof. Arthur Goldreich, Prof. Micha Ullman, Ms. Rivka Sacker, Mr. Moshe Gershoni. The Judaica exhibition "Continuity and Change" 100 years of Judaica at Bezalel, is hosted at the President's residence.
Launching of the book "Bezalel 100": Thousands of images describing the history of Bezalel 1906 – 2006, financed by Mifal Hapais and edited by Dr. Gidon Efrat and David Tartakover.
June 29th – the first conference of Bezalel graduates takes place at the Mount Scopus amphitheater with the participation of over 3,000 graduates.
July 18th – August 8th – "Bezalel 100/ Terminal 1" – Bezalel's end of year celebratory exhibition at Terminal 1 Ben Gurion Airport - spread out over 15,000 square meters on the terminal's two floors and showing thousands of works of over 400 graduates and students. Seventy five thousand visitors attended the exhibition which also included the exhibit of Bezalel's Master of Industrial Design (MFA) program, which hosted 52 graduates from 14 leading schools worldwide, the exhibit was called: "Goods to Declare".
August 2006 – July 2007 The international architects' competition for planning of the new Bezalel campus on the Russian Compound. In Phase 1, which ended in February 2007, 188 proposals were submitted, a third of these were from Israel and two thirds were from 33 other countries. Out of these proposals the judging committee, composed of Prof. and Architect Toshiko Mori, Prof. and Architect Moshe Safdie, Prof. Chanoch Gutfreund, Prof. Arnon Zuckerman, Prof. and Architect Zvi Efrat, and Mr. Yiftach Poran, chose five proposals which, together with four additional firms invited to participate in the competition (two from Israel and two from abroad), reached Phase 2 of the competition. In July 2007 the winning office was chosen: The Architect Firm Studyo Architects. The partners in this firm are the architects Aysin Ipekci and Cem Yurtsever.
September – Facing the Community: hundreds of high school pupils from 10 high schools in remote settlements were guests at Bezalel for ten days of multidisciplinary workshops, given by students in the framework of the Perach tutorial project at Bezalel, with the purpose of encouraging pupils to attend Bezalel in the future as students.
October 18th – conclusion of renovation and christening of the Bezalel History Building in the Center of Jerusalem, location of the Department of Architecture.
December 17th – 19th – Closing of the centennial events at the international conference: "Mirrors of the Spirit: New Views of Jerusalem", with participants from all realms of culture, from Israel and abroad. These included: the artists Tzadok Ben David and Micha Ulman, the designers Ron Arad and Per Molrop, the poet Salman Matzlacha, the author Aharon Appelfeld and the painter Meir Appelfeld, the researchers Nissim Calderon and Aviad Kleinberg.
2007
Bezalel's independent Master's degree program in the Arts (MFA) was approved by the Council of Higher Education and will be opened in the 2008 scholastic year.
The Master's degree (MA) program in Theory and Policy of the Arts was submitted to the Council of Higher Education. The Bachelor's program in Screen Arts (BFA) was approved by the Council of Higher Education's board of examiners.
In addition to the multidisciplinary courses, for the first time in 2008, a bidisciplinary program has been opened for third year students (intended for students from two departments) as well as a program of basic courses for second year students, which enables each student to choose a basic course from a different department.
Main conferences: International conference on "Ph.D by Practice" took place with the participation of the Minister of Education, Prof. Yuli Tamir. This lecturers' conference, providing a stage for academic lecturers to present their work to their colleagues, took place for the first time in 2007 and will take place every year on Students' Day. The third annual conference of History and Theory 'Right, Left and the Holy Spirit: on art, religion and politics' took place on May 20th, with the participation of Prof. Tom Mitchell from the University of Chicago; additional conferences with the cooperation of the Theory and History Department and other Departments at Bezalel included: 'Israeli Animation Today" – with the participation of the Animation Unit; 'the Hebrew Letter' conference – with the participation of the Department of Visual Communication; 'the Israeli Object' – with the participation of the Department of Ceramic Design.