Yehuda Magidovitch

Yehuda Magidovitch
Yehuda Magidovitch
Born	1886; Uman, Ukraine
Died	1961; Tel Aviv, Israel
Nationality	Israeli
Occupation	Architect

Yehuda Magidovitch (1886–1961) was one of the most prolific Israeli architects. Among his prominent works are the Galei Aviv Casino, a café-restaurant (demolished in 1939), and the Cinema Esther (now Cinema Hotel), both in Tel Aviv.^[1]

Biography[edit]

Early life[edit]

Yehuda Magidovitch was born in 1886 in Uman in Ukraine, back then part of the Russian Empire. He studied in Odessa. In 1919, he emigrated to Mandatory Palestine.

Career[edit]

Magidovitch became the first chief engineer of Tel Aviv^[1] in 1920. In 1923 he established his own design and construction company. In 1934 his son Raphael also joined the office.^[2]

Magidovitch first built in the i1920s in the eclectic style, but beginning in the early 1930s he started moving towards Art Deco. His first International style designs from 1934 retained a personal artistic expression.^[2]

Death[edit]

Magidovitch suffered a brain hemorrhage in 1954, which brought his professional activity to an end. He died in 1961 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Gallery[edit]

Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv in the 1930s (built 1924-25)
The Levin House, used for many years by the former Soviet embassy, Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv (1924)
Gottgold House, Tel Aviv (1935–36); with Raphael Magidovitch. Built in a dialogue of forms with the Polishuk House (1934) across the street.
Cinema Esther, now Cinema Hotel, Tel Aviv (1938)