traveling israel

Museums in Jerusalem

Israel Museum

Without a doubt, the Israel Museum is the first museum on my list. Not only is this the most important museum in Jerusalem, it is also the most important museum in all of Israel. With over half a million items in its collection, it is one of the largest museums in the world. The highlight of the museum is the Shrine of the Book, which contains the oldest known biblical manuscripts and fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls. An impressive archaeological collection of the most impressive artifacts discovered in the Land of Israel, an assemblage of Jewish artistic and cultural objects. Even though the emphasis is on Jewish history, there are wings which display world culture artifacts and classical European art.

Tours in English

Israel museum

Tower of David

Upon entering Jaffa Gate, there is a citadel on the right. For two thousand years, the fortress protected the city until the British changed its purpose and converted it into a museum. The museum presents Jerusalem across history, and each room is dedicated to a different period. I highly recommend this museum for those who mix up the various periods in Jerusalem history. This museum helps to explain when each of the conquering factions ruled the city – the Romans, the Crusaders, the Arabs, and the Jews. In the evening there are beautiful light and sound shows, for which tickets are required.

Tower of David

City of David

This is actually an archaeological site and not a museum, but because part of it is roofed or underground, I decided to include it on this list. Many people don’t know that the current walls of Jerusalem are actually very new, only 500 years old. The historical core of the city, the city of King David, thanks to whom Jerusalem became a symbolic place, is actually outside of the Old City walls. At the site, there are a number of walkable underground tunnels (totaling 700 meters), which lead from the Pool of Siloam to the Western Wall.

Yad Vashem

Only in Israel can you visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Masada, Nazareth, and Tel Aviv. Usually to visit Holocaust-related sites, tourists go to Germany and Poland. And yet, tourists come to visit the Yad Vashem Museum and for a good reason. It’s an excellent museum. You can learn a lot here, both about the Holocaust and about its influence on the Israeli society. I suggest using the audio guide or taking advantage of one of the superb guides who work there.

Yad Vashem

 

If you’re planning a trip to Israel and want my team to build you a whole package including luxury hotels, guides and attractions, then you can schedule a call here.

 

If you’re traveling on a modest budget, you can also purchase my Booklets, in which I basically wrote down everything that I say on my 3 most popular tours: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Judaean Desert. I also added maps, pictures and graphics which will enable you to be your own guide. The booklets are only sold outside Israel, so order now and come prepared! Or download as a PDF or EPUB (e-book).

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