Ben-Gurion's Hut


Ben-Gurion's hut was the retirement home of Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and his wife Paula from the years 1953 until Ben-Gurion's death in 1973. The "hut", located on Kibbutz Sde Boker, was preserved exactly as it was left by the Ben-Gurion and now serves as a museum with a visitor's center operated by the Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute.

Ben-Gurion's move

In 1952, on a tour of Southern Israel, Ben-Gurion passed by a small community with only a hut and a few tents – Sde Boker. He stopped to greet the founders of the community, who he believed were doing a great service to the newly-founded State by reclaiming the desert. Later, he sent a letter to the community wishing them luck and confiding in them his "jealousy" of their humble lifestyle.
In 1953, Ben-Gurion and his wife joined the kibbutz and moved into the hut. His move can be attributed to Ben-Gurion's wish to settle the Negev desert and lead by personal example. Additionally, he wished to disconnect from the pressures of his job and move to a remote part of the desert.

Return to premiership

In 1955, Ben-Gurion was re-elected Prime Minister. Throughout his term which lasted until 1963, Ben-Gurion resided in his home in Sde Boker, and he continued living there until his death in 1973.

Today

Per Ben-Gurion's request in his will, the hut and everything inside remained intact and open to the public. A museum documenting the life and writings of Ben-Gurion was built at the site of the hut and attracts many tourists each year. A special focus was put on Ben-Gurion's vision to build up and settle the Negev Desert.