The Academy of the Hebrew Language selected Mayslits Kassif Roytman Architects, a leading Israeli architecture firm, as the winner of a national architecture competition. The new academy’s plot (1.5 acres), nestled in a spectacular natural setting, forms part of Jerusalem’s National Cultural District, also home to the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), The National Library, The Israel Museum, and The Hebrew University.

With a unique architecture that weaves building and nature, the new cultural icon will serve both academic researchers and museum visitors. The 9.000 m2 four-story building will offer the world’s first museum of the Hebrew language, including interactive exhibition galleries, learning center and auditoriums. The research wing will include a public library and archive, researchers’ offices and special conference rooms for the Academy Assembly. This is where the Scientific Secretariat and the academy members will converge, a few times a year, for directing development of the Hebrew language by setting its modern lexicon, grammar and transliteration. 

The new center, proposed by MKR Architects, offers an innovative gradient between indoor functions and outdoor public space. Integrating patios, walkways, ramps, roof scape, and outdoor galleries as part of the architectural layout, the academy will offer a wide array of spatial experiences, with rich views of the Jerusalem scenery and lively encounters with the adjacent urban street levels.