The Weizmann Institute’s Sci-Trek, the self guided tour that highlights the research and scientific projects of this world renowned academic institution is definitely interesting and worth taking. However, if your time is limited, you should note that the real jewel is the Clore Garden of Science. Perhaps intended for children, it is a place where both adults and children can have fun experiencing science, first hand.

If you want to know how waves are formed or feel what it is like to walk on the moon, you can experience and explore over 50 exhibits that will be educational and enjoyable. Walls tend to restrict most science museums. What makes the Clore Garden of Science different is that it is set outside. An elevated walkway connects many of the exhibits and the combination of the exhibits’ huge scale, fresh air, blue sky above and grass below, is truly exhilarating.

A visit at the Weizmann Institute of Science should really begin at the Levinson Visitor’s Center, where you can see a 17-minute audiovisual program about the institute and the work of its scientists. The institute was established due in part to the efforts of Dr. Chaim Weizmann, a distinguished chemist who was Israel’s first president. Originally founded in 1934 by Israel and Rebecca Sieff, as the Daniel Sieff Research Institute, in memory of their son, it was renamed the Weizmann Institute of Science, in November 1949.

When you purchase a ticket to the self-guided tour, you receive an optic card that enables you to enter certain buildings and a detailed map of the grounds. As you enter the buildings an audiovisual presentation or film is automatically activated. These presentations describe the areas of scientific research at the institute.

If you want to see everything there is to see here, you should plan to spend about two-three hours.

The Weizmann Institute of Science is located at the entrance to Rehovot. As you come from the Tel Aviv - Rishon LeZion direction it will be on your left and is clearly signed.

Clore Garden of Science 08/934-4401 TEL 08/934-4402 FAX mailto:judy.malkosh@weizmann.ac.il Web site:http://www.weizmann.ac.il

Sci-Trek Self-guided Walking Tours - Barbara and Morris Levinson Visitors Center 08/934-4500 0/8934-4180 mailto:yaffa.eliezer@weizmann.ac.il Web site:http//www.weizmann.ac.il

Visiting Hours: Sunday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Entry fees: Adults, 25 NIS/pp, 15/pp NIS for students, soldiers on active duty, physically handicapped, and senior citizens. Groups should make a reservation in advance (there is an extra charge for a guide, 200 NIS).

You can also purchase a combined ticket to the self-guided tour of the Weizmann Institute of Science, and the Clore Science Garden. The combined ticket is 40 NIS/pp and well worth it.