Ayalon Institute Museum
HaMerkaz
The Ayalon Institute Museum in Rehovot, Israel, preserves the history of a secret underground ammunition factory established in 1945 by the Haganah. Concealed beneath a kibbutz that operated a laundry service, the factory was built 8 meters underground and produced approximately 2.25 million cartridges by 1948, essential for the Palmach's Sten submachine guns. The site was strategically chosen for its hilltop location, proximity to a train station whose noise masked factory sounds, and pre-existing kibbutz infrastructure. The young group of 45 pioneers who maintained the factory's secrecy risked death if discovered by the nearby British military. After Israeli independence in 1948, the factory moved above ground, and the original team established a new kibbutz. The secret was publicly revealed only in 1973. Restored in 1987, the museum offers guided tours through the underground factory and kibbutz buildings, alongside a eucalyptus grove and lodging tents, providing a unique insight into Israel's struggle for independence and ingenuity in clandestine operations.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and consider booking guided tours in advance to fully explore the underground factory. The museum offers educational docudramas as introductions. Discounts may be available for groups and students. Wear comfortable shoes due to underground spaces and stairs.
Interesting facts
- •The factory produced about 2.25 million cartridges between 1945 and 1948, averaging 40,000 per day.
- •The underground factory was constructed just 8 meters below the kibbutz buildings in less than a month.
- •Not all kibbutz members knew about the secret factory; those unaware were nicknamed 'giraffes' by the workers.
- •The factory machines were originally purchased in Poland and smuggled into Palestine via Beirut and train with the help of Jews in the British army.
History
Founded in 1945 during British Mandate Palestine, the Ayalon Institute was a clandestine ammunition factory disguised as a kibbutz.
It was built rapidly underground to secretly supply cartridges for the Palmach fighters.
The factory operated until 1948 when Israel gained independence, after which production moved above ground.
The secret of the factory was revealed in 1973, and the site was restored as a museum in 1987 to preserve this unique chapter of Israeli history.
Place Guide
Underground Ammunition Factory1945-1948
The core of the museum, this secret factory was built underground to produce cartridges for the Palmach's Sten guns, concealed beneath the kibbutz laundry. Visitors can see original machinery and learn about the clandestine manufacturing process.
Kibbutz Laundry and Living Quarters1945
Above the factory, the kibbutz operated a laundry service as a cover. The living quarters housed the young pioneers who maintained the secret factory beneath their feet, with some unaware of its existence.
Eucalyptus Grove and Picnic Area
An outdoor area with eucalyptus trees and picnic tables offers visitors a place to relax and reflect on the historical significance of the site.
Contact
Phone: 08-940-6552
