Just beneath the southern walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, one of the most ambitious cultural renovation projects in years is taking shape. The Sultan Pool, originally constructed in the 16th century by an Ottoman sultan as a water reservoir, is now set for a transformation that could place it among the world’s leading open-air venues. What once served as an ancient lifeline for the city is on the verge of becoming an international stage for music, culture and public life.
A flagship redevelopment project for Jerusalem
The local planning and building committee has approved the wide-ranging renovation plan, promoted by the Jerusalem Municipality in partnership with the Jerusalem Foundation. The project will deliver structural upgrades, new urban landscaping and year-round public access, ensuring that the site is no longer seasonal but a living urban park at the heart of the city.
Modern amphitheater with 6,200 seats
At the center of the renovation stands the famous amphitheater, managed by the municipal Ariel company. The venue will undergo a complete facelift, adding new stands and expanding its capacity to 6,200 seats. Subterranean facilities will include additional restrooms and an artists’ wing beneath the stage, while a permanent ticket booth, upgraded lighting and improved accessibility will significantly enhance the visitor experience.
Blending history with contemporary design
The Sultan Pool is not only a performance venue but a unique archaeological and cultural landmark. Since the early 1980s it has been used for concerts and festivals, becoming synonymous with Jerusalem’s summer culture. The new plan seeks to preserve this legacy while upgrading the site with a restored ornamental pool, uncovered archaeological treasures, modern landscaping and urban furniture, all designed to integrate history with contemporary cultural life.
Mayor of Jerusalem: “A strategic flagship project”
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion explains that “the plan to upgrade the Sultan Pool is a strategic flagship project for the city of Jerusalem. The Sultan Pool is one of the most beautiful, unique and sought-after performance venues in Israel, and the renovation will make it even more attractive. At the end of the work it will become an accessible, vibrant and inviting complex, hosting more audiences, more shows and events from Israel and abroad – all while preserving the site’s historical uniqueness.”
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Jerusalem Foundation: “A jewel in the city’s heart”
Eric Grabelsky, President of the Jerusalem Foundation, notes that “the Sultan Pool is a unique jewel in the heart of Jerusalem. The plan we are advancing together with the Jerusalem Municipality will turn it into the largest and most beautiful outdoor performance venue in the country, upgrading the experience for audiences and visitors alike. At the same time, the complex will become an open urban park with leisure areas, a café, exposed archaeological finds and an ornamental pool located at the historic site that gave the Sultan Pool its name.”
Putting Jerusalem on the global cultural map
Against the backdrop of extensive development across the city – from transport infrastructure to cultural institutions – the Sultan Pool project underscores Jerusalem’s ambition to establish itself as an international cultural hub. When global artists seek new outdoor venues, Jerusalem will not only offer authenticity and history, but also modern facilities and an atmosphere unlike any other city.
