Ben Gurion's Desert Home - Kibbutz Sde Boker

Paula and David Ben-Gurion's desert home remains exactly as Ben-Gurion left it when he passed away in 1973. This was his wish as left in his will. The area surrounding the home, however, has altered considerably. The garden landscape has been expanded and is carefully maintained; pathways have been paved for visitors' comfort; maxims from Ben-Gurion's philosophy, and blown-up photographs from the early years of Sede Boker decorate the walkways; and shady, half-enclosed stone bleachers were constructed for visiting study groups.

Ben-Gurion's home at Kibbutz Sde Boker illustrates, first and foremost, the life-style of a man whose personal example symbolized the genius of leadership. Ben-Gurion and his wife moved into their desert home in 1953. During his twenty-year residence there, the house was enlarged to meet the needs of his work and the reception of the couple's numerous guests. The home stands in its original format dating back to the 1960s (excluding minor renovations such as the railing-guide along the rooms). Its structure and furniture exude modesty, physical simplicity, and frugality.

Visiting Hours (entry fee is in place)
Sundays to Thursdays 08:30 - 16:00
Fridays and Holiday Eves 08:30 - 14:00
Saturdays and Holidays 09:00 - 15:00
Last arrival – 30 min' before closing time.

Ben Gurion's Grave
Located on a cliff at Ben Gurion Desert Study Center (South of Kibbutz Sde Boker), the place is open to the public - no entry fee.

How to get there
To Ben Gurion's Desert House - leave route 40 at Kibbutz Sde Boker
To Ben Gurion's Grave - leave route 40 at Midreshet Ben Gurion.