Pri-Or PhotoHouse

Our unique archive consists of over 1 million negatives taken by photographer, Rudi Weissenstein, highlighting the spirit, atmosphere, people, and pivotal historical events of Israel from the 1930s-70s. Currently we have exhibitions traveling throughout Europe & the United States, works on display in office buildings & hotels, as well as publications and merchandise available.

 

 

 

Rudi Weissenstein was one of the most famous photographers of Israel and his work has been showcased throughout the country as well as in Europe and North America. One of the biggest highlights of his career was being the official photographer for the Signing of Israel’s Declaration of Independence. He was also the official photographer for the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, a reporter of the UN, and photographed those who would become the leading personalities of the local Jewish Community and heads of the State. 

Rudi was originally from Iglau, Czechoslovakia, and came to Israel in 1936. His passion for photography began in the darkroom his father had built in his childhood home. Rudi would later go on to study at the "graphische Lehr – und Versuchsanstalt" in Vienna, continuing to develop his skills as a photographer. In 1940, Rudi, and his wife, Miriam, opened Pri-Or PhotoHouse on 30 Allenby Street in Tel-Aviv, where it would continue to flourish for 70 years.

Every negative in his enormous archive is a testament to Israel: the atmosphere, the spirit, and the people.

 

 

 

Miriam Weissenstein became the heart and soul of Pri-Or PhotoHouse. She was born in Czechoslovakia and moved to Israel at age 8 in 1921. She studied sports and gymnastics in Austria, and would later become a gymnastics teacher. Once she and Rudi opened Pri-Or, she began managing the shop while Rudi would photograph. Her dedication to the shop was immense, and after Rudi passed away she continued its legacy, showing up to work every day until she passed away at age 98. One of Pri-Or’s most iconic images is of Miriam jumping. Rudi captured her spirit as she is seen jumping high in the air with Tel Aviv behind her. 
 

Pri-Or Photo House is located in the heart of Tel Aviv, and is one of Israel’s most valuable and monumental private archives of historical photographs that was established in 1940.