Gan Ha’em offers a corner of green piece of nature in the heart of Carmel Center
In 1913 a garden was set up in Haifa, consequently called Gan Ha’em (Mother’s garden) with vast lawns offering you a place of serenity and calm right in the center of town, unless arriving on an evening a performance is held.
A garden for the mother and the entire family
Ever since it was set up at the beginning of the 20th century, Gan Ha’em has serves as a meeting place for both children and adults. The ownership of the garden, located in Carmel Center, was transferred after the Second World War to the hands of Haifa Municipality, and it was the legendary Mayor, Abba Hushi, who gave the garden its name, Gan Ha’em, in recognition and respect to the mother’s place and role in the family. The garden, extending along 400 dunams, constituted a meeting place for many mothers, visiting the place together with their children and toddlers, enjoying the vast lawns, shaded areas, benches and picnic tables, a playground and a spinning carousel, and more.
Over the years, cafes, the mythological beer-house, food counters, and an acoustic stage called “the Conch” were added to the garden. Currently the garden serves as a place for families, youth, children and tourists to hang out and enjoy the tranquility of the garden or the multiple performances and attractions that take place in the garden throughout the year, mainly during the summer and the Holiday period.
Outdoor performance
During the year, Gan Ha’em hosts many performance and concerts free of charge. Alongside unique events held in the garden on special occasions, there are also events that have already become a tradition. In the framework of the International Film Festival, hosted by the city of Haifa every year during Succot, the garden hosts many out-door performances, as well as plays, creation workshops for children and families. During the Succot Holiday the Mayor’s Succah is located in the garden where one may stay as a guest and dine when visiting the garden. In recent years, Gan Ha’em also hosts the Haifa Pride Parade (for the LGBT community).
The parade, passing through the Carmel Center Streets ends the event for Human Rights in a Democratic Society in a big happening in the garden. On Independence Day one may enjoy the performances of Israel’s greatest artists in the garden, alongside a mass and happy happening. Furthermore, during the summer months one may enjoy weekly performances in the garden as well as additional events such as outdoor screening of films.
Nature in the middle of the city
Gan Ha’em does not constitute only a piece of greenery located in the heart of Central Carmel, considered an urban and vibrant area. Gan Ha’em houses Haifa’s educational Zoo, which includes also the Zoological Institute and the Museum of Prehistory. In this garden you may find an access point to Lotem Stream, which offers you an opportunity to stroll in nature without getting too far from the city, via an easy and pleasant track for the entire family.
The way to happiness
You may reach Gan-Ha’em most easily from the Carmelit Gan-Ha’em Station, which is the last station of its route, so even if you try – you can’t miss it. A few steps from the station and you are in the heart of the garden, which every Haifa citizen likes. The Carmelit also offers you the best way to arrive at the various performances and attractions taking place in the garden, since currently the roads surrounding it are considered very busy and parking spaces in the area are hard to find.