TAU’s Yehuda Naftali Botanic Garden now welcomes individual visitors

For decades, the Tel Aviv University Botanic Garden has stood as one of Israel’s leading living laboratories: an essential hub for plant sciences research, a sanctuary for native species, and a cornerstone of environmental education. Yet despite its scientific significance and rich biodiversity, the garden long lacked the resources needed to fully realize its vast potential. 

According to Kineret Shwartz Maneviich, the Garden’s Operational Manager, the turning point came with the transformative contribution of philanthropist Yehuda Naftali. 

“Yehuda’s support allowed us to leap forward in ways we’d only dreamed of,” she explains. “We were able to create new interactive learning experiences designed to spark curiosity -especially among children and teenagers. Our goal is to instill a sense of wonder and deepen appreciation for Israel’s natural world among new generations.” 

As a result of Naftali’s gift, the Garden has introduced a series of interactive experiential exhibits throughout its grounds, inviting visitors to explore plant diversity, ecological relationships, evolutionary processes, climate challenges, and conservation efforts through hands-on engagement. These exhibits now serve both as educational tools and as gateways into larger botanical knowledge. At the same time, entire sections have been revitalized and enhanced, such as the Wetland Habitat the Succulent collection and the Greenhouse for Useful Plants.  

Yehuda Naftali (left) with TAU Pres. Prof. Ariel Porat. (Photo: Chen Galili, TAU)

Opening to the Public 

In spring 2025, the Naftali Garden opened for a pilot period following significant renovations. A more extensive public reopening followed in October 2025, accompanied by expanded programming for families, school groups, and the wider community. Now, the Garden is preparing to welcome visitors once again for Hanukkah, continuing to grow into its role as a vibrant, accessible space for the wider community. 

Looking ahead, the garden’s academic and operational management follows a vision supported by three pillars: research, conservation and education. “We aspire to serve as a state-of-the-art research facility for plant scientists from TAU, other Israeli universities, and around the world. We are committed to protecting Israel’s unique plant diversity through conservation and the reintroduction of endangered species. And finally, we want to inspire the public-children, students, families, everyone-to discover the beauty and importance of plants,” Maneviich concludes. 

With continued growth, expanded research capabilities, and a renewed commitment to community engagement, the Tel Aviv University Naftali Botanic Garden is poised to achieve its full potential – both as a scientific powerhouse and as an essential cultural and environmental resource for Israel. 

Tickets for the Naftali Botanic Garden’s Hanukkah programs and tours can be purchased via the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History website here>> 

Yehuda Naftali Botanic Garden’s Hanukkah 2025 activities:
 

Dates & Times 

Note: Entrance is by pre-booked ticket only, and a ticket to the garden does not include access to the adjacent Steinhardt Natural History Museum. lifesci.tau.ac.il+1