Rehovot Citrus Museum
HaMerkaz
The Rehovot Citrus Museum, also known as the Minkov Citrus Orchard, is located on the outskirts of Rehovot near the Weizmann Institute and Science Park. It offers a unique journey into the origins of citrus farming in Israel, dating back to the early 20th century. The museum is named after Zalman Minkov, a pioneer of the First Aliyah who planted the first orchard in Rehovot in 1904. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of citrus tree varieties, participate in seasonal fruit picking, and enjoy freshly squeezed juice. The site features a restored packing house with an audiovisual show illustrating the history of orange cultivation, harvesting, and exportation. Highlights include an ancient well with a glass floor showcasing the original water pump and reservoir, as well as a nostalgic train ride called the "Orange Train." The museum offers educational and sensory experiences suitable for all ages, combining history, agriculture, and interactive activities. Special guided tours focus on the stories of pioneering women and night-time lantern tours that reveal the orchard's romantic and mysterious ambiance. The museum also hosts private events in its conference hall equipped with modern audio-visual technology.
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Tip: The best time to visit is during the citrus harvesting season when visitors can pick fresh fruit and taste fresh juice. Booking guided group tours in advance is recommended, especially for educational groups and special themed tours like the lantern or women's pioneer tours. The museum offers discounted rates for seniors and groups. Independent visitors can enjoy self-guided tours with written guides available on-site. Private events and family celebrations can be arranged with prior reservation. Visiting on weekdays offers a quieter experience, while weekends and holidays are available by appointment for groups.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is named after Zalman Minkov, who planted the first citrus orchard in Rehovot in 1904.
- •Visitors can ride the "Orange Train," a nostalgic train experience through the orchard.
- •The packing house features an audiovisual show illustrating the history of citrus exportation.
- •The site includes an ancient well with a glass floor to view the original water pump and reservoir.
- •Special tours focus on pioneering women of the early Zionist settlement in the area.
History
The museum commemorates the establishment of the first citrus orchard in Rehovot by Zalman Minkov in 1904, a key figure of the First Aliyah.
This orchard marked the beginning of the citrus industry in the region, which became a vital part of the early Zionist settlement economy.
Over the decades, the orchard and packing house evolved to support large-scale orange exportation worldwide.
The site preserves original agricultural equipment such as the water pump and reservoir, reflecting technological advancements in citrus farming.
Today, the museum serves as a cultural heritage site dedicated to the history and development of citrus cultivation in Israel.
Place Guide
Citrus Tree Collection
An extensive assortment of citrus tree varieties showcasing the diversity of species cultivated in Israel since the early 1900s.
Ancient Well and Water PumpEarly 20th century
A historic well with a glass floor allowing visitors to view the original water pump and reservoir used for irrigation in the orchard.
Restored Packing House and Audiovisual ShowEarly to mid 20th century
A reconstructed packing house where visitors can watch a light and sound show depicting the history of orange harvesting, packing, and international export.
Orange Train Ride
A nostalgic train ride through the orchard that offers a sensory experience of the citrus groves and their history.
Contact
Phone: 08-946-9197
