The Mane Katz Art Museum, 89 Yefeh Nof St. (tel. 38 34 82), just behind Panorama Center, displays sculptures and canvases by Mane Katz, a member of the Paris group of Jewish Expressionists that included Modigliani, Chagall, and Cre-megne. (Open Sun.-Thurs. 10am-4pm, Fri. and Sat. lOam-lpm. Free.) Walk north along scenic Yefeh Nof St. to the intersection of HaTzionut, where (opposite 135 HaTzionut) a sculpture garden contains striking bronzes by Ursula Malkin.

Haifa’s two major academic complexes overlook the slopes at the opposite end of the Carmel ridge. To reach Haifa University, boasting the largest percentage of Arab students in all of Israel’s higher education institutions, take bus #24 or 37 from the central bus station, Herzl St., or die Carmel Center and ask to be let off at the next to last stop. The university’s landmark is the elegant 30-story Eshkol Tower, crowning the vast flat main building which is the focus of student activities.

Originally designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeier, the original bold scheme (see model in the main lobby) was never completed. The tower’s observatory offers spectacular panoramic views. Open Sun.-Thurs. 8am-4pm; free guided tours of the campus are conducted by students Sun.-Thurs. lOam-noon, starting from the main building. (For more information, call 24 00 03 or 24 00 07.) After hours, go on the huge slab at the foot of the tower (above the bus stops) and walk all the way to the edge for 30-story shorter, but still great, views of the city below. The Reuben and Edith Hecht Museum (tel. 25 77 73 or 24 05 77) houses a permanent exhibit called “The People of Israel in the Land of Israel,” displaying archaeological finds from the university excavations and a respectable collection of impressionist and Jewish paintings, including a few temporary exhibits. Tours available if you call ahead. (Open Sun.-Thurs. 10am-4pm, Fri. lOam-lpm, Sat. 10am-2pm. )

The Haifa University is surrounded by thick pine forests; have a picnic.