Full Breakdown
Museums Adapt to War: Providing Safe Spaces Amid Conflict
3/22/2026, 9:23:34 PM
The Impact of the US-Israel War on Cultural Institutions
The US-Israel war with the Iranian regime commenced on February 28, leading to widespread missile attacks that forced many Israelis into bomb shelters. In response, museums across Israel, including the Bible Lands Museum and the Israel Museum, adapted their operations to provide safe spaces for the public. Risa Levitt, executive director of the Bible Lands Museum, emphasized the need for cultural institutions to support the community during this crisis, stating, “Once it was clear that this wasn’t going to be just a day or two, we thought about what people need, what can we do?”
Museums' Response to the Crisis
Initially, major museums like the Israel Museum and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art closed to the public, focusing on safeguarding their collections. Staff members were seen moving artworks and artifacts into storage. However, smaller institutions like the Bible Lands Museum quickly opened their doors for limited gatherings of 50 people, utilizing their bomb shelters to ensure visitor safety. Levitt noted that the museum had previously conducted research on how cultural visits could alleviate stress and help those suffering from trauma.
The Israel Museum's new director, Yasha Jacob Grobman, initiated outreach efforts by sending staff to provide art workshops at neighborhood shelters. Other museums also offered online activities to engage the public during the closures. Despite these efforts, the larger institutions faced challenges in adapting to the new circumstances.
Community Engagement and Cultural Resilience
The Bible Lands Museum, founded in 1992, has a history of community engagement and was able to quickly implement free admission to support families during the conflict. Levitt expressed concern about the museum's financial stability amidst ongoing uncertainty, particularly regarding the upcoming Passover holiday. “I have to make sure the museum doesn’t go bankrupt,” she stated, highlighting the delicate balance between cultural mission and financial viability.
The museum's current exhibit, “As Soon as the War is Over,” which explores themes of war and peace, has been limited to a small audience due to the ongoing conflict. Levitt remarked on the exhibit's relevance, saying, “It’s about the cost of fighting and what is peace,” but acknowledged the difficulty in promoting it during wartime.
Criticism and Community Perspectives
While museums strive to provide safe spaces, the broader community experiences the war differently. Many Israelis have become accustomed to spending time in various bomb shelters, ranging from private home shelters to public facilities. Reports indicate that these shelters vary in comfort and ambiance, with some offering a sense of community and others being more austere.
As one individual recounted their experiences in different shelters, they noted the stark contrasts in atmosphere, from festive gatherings to more somber settings. This reflects the diverse ways in which Israelis are coping with the ongoing conflict, underscoring the importance of both physical safety and emotional support during these challenging times.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Once it was clear that this wasn’t going to be just a day or two, we thought about what people need, what can we do?” — Risa Levitt, Executive Director, Bible Lands Museum
- “It’s about the cost of fighting and what is peace,” — Risa Levitt, Executive Director, Bible Lands Museum
The ongoing war has prompted cultural institutions to adapt and respond to the needs of their communities, highlighting the resilience of both museums and the public in the face of adversity.
