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Raʻanan Kislev

Abstract

In 1996, a Roman-period villa was uncovered during a salvage excavation carried out on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority in the city of Lod, revealing one of the most beautiful mosaic floors ever discovered in the country. This unique and beautiful mosaic floor raised questions as to whether and how to present the complex to the general public. The center was established following three planning stages: the first, in 1996–1997, after completing the salvage excavation; the second, between 2009 and 2015, following the re-exposing of the mosaic floors and the expansion of the excavation area; and the third, between 2016 and 2021, after resolving issues of land ownership and awarding the project management to the Lod Economic Company. Throughout the project phases we maintained a clear design in agreement with conservation principles, leaving an open public space. All the mosaic floors, including the main unique one, were restored in situ. The main hall houses a display of the small finds discovered in the villa, accompanied by interactive activities operated by high-end technologies, offering a dynamic touristic experience. Also, the city’s residents took part in the planning of the visitors’ center and the development of the public areas around it, promoting local pride. At the end of 2017, the ceremony of laying the cornerstone for the center was held in the presence of the donor, Shelby White; Yair Revivo, Mayor of Lod; and Israel Hasson, then Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The construction of the building began in mid-2018, and by the end of 2020, the main mosaic had returned to its original place and the building of the center was completed and opened to the general public.

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