Beit HaNassi

Beit HaNassi is the official presidential residence in the Talbiya neighborhood of Jerusalem, designed by architect Aba Elhanani with function-specific rooms for state business. The building contains meeting rooms for official gatherings, ceremonial spaces for formal events, and administrative offices for daily operations.

Construction began in 1964 following a national architectural competition, and President Zalman Shazar opened the completed building in 1971. This project represented an important shift when the capital gained its first modern presidential residence for official state functions.

The peace garden on the grounds is where visiting leaders from other countries traditionally plant olive trees as a gesture of friendship and diplomatic connection. This custom gives the space a special role in international relations.

Visits require advance reservations and are subject to strict security procedures with specific identification requirements for all guests. Visitors should plan ahead and check current access requirements before making the trip.

Before this residence was built, President Ben-Zvi ran state affairs from a simple wooden cabin while living in an ordinary apartment elsewhere in Jerusalem. Moving to this dedicated space was a significant change in how the presidency operated.