The Sultan’s Pool Amphitheater is one of Jerusalem’s most spectacular sites, set against the backdrop of the Old City walls. An ancient water source modernized by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and turned into an open-air music venue in 1978. It has since become one of Israel’s most prestigious locations for music, dance, opera, and festivals, actively contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Performances by national and international artists included Eyal Golan, Sting, and Bob Dylan. This spectacular site is a 2030 priority of the Jerusalem Foundation for creative culture, as it enhances the city’s vibrancy and openness, making it a source of inspiration around the world.
To fully tap the potential of the Sultan’s Pool area, the Jerusalem Foundation, in partnership with other organizations, developed an ambitious renovation plan to make this space fully useful and accessible to the public every day. The project objectives are to upgrade the amphitheater into a structure that seats 7,000 people, with 4,200 permanent seats and 2,800 additional chairs, and to turn the surrounding area into a park open to residents and visitors. The project features a café and a garden area next to Sultan’s Pool. The renovation will benefit all Jerusalem residents with no distinction as to social or religious background, as well as the many visitors from Israel and abroad.
Impact: The area will become more accessible to Jerusalem’s population and visitors alike, both as a venue for cultural events and as a destination.
Partners: Jerusalem Municipality, Ariel Municipal Company, Israel Antiquities Authority, Israel Nature and Park Authority ltan’s Pool Amphitheater is one of Jerusalem’s most spectacular sites, set against the backdrop of the Old City walls. An ancient water source modernized by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and turned into an open-air music venue in 1978. It has since become one of Israel’s most prestigious locations for music, dance, opera, and festivals, actively contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Performances by national and international artists included Eyal Golan, Sting, and Bob Dylan. This spectacular site is a 2030 priority of the Jerusalem Foundation for creative culture, as it enhances the city’s vibrancy and openness, making it a source of inspiration around the world.