Front row, back row

Tel Aviv to open socially distanced floating cinema on lake

Seats will be set up in pedal boats in Park Hayarkon, though tickets only available to local residents

By Jessica Steinberg

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10 August 2020, 1:47 pm Edit

Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center

A look at the floating cinema planned for Tel Aviv's HaYarkon Park during August 2020 (Courtesy Tel Aviv Municipality)

First, Tel Aviv first reopened its historic drive-in theater, to enable outdoor screenings amid coronavirus restrictions, and now it is inaugurating a floating cinema on Hayarkon Park’s boating lake.

Tel Aviv residents will be able to watch movies on a movie theater-sized screen from the comfort of 70 socially distanced rowboats and paddle boats usually used for traveling around the man-made river.

It’s not exactly stadium seating, but there’s plenty of room for popcorn and drinks in these seats.

The eight different screenings will include four family-friendly options and four films for adults, and will be available only to Tel Aviv residents with DigitTel cards. The dates have yet to be announced.

The Health Ministry-approved activity is a joint effort of the Tel Aviv municipality and the Tel Aviv Cinematheque, part of the city’s efforts to provide cultural activities this summer.

The city has offered outdoor guided tours across the city, fitness classes on the roof of the municipality building and musical performances on the roof of the Eretz Israel Museum.