Jerusalem is a city of religion, faith, food and picturesque streets, but also of a great deal of culture. Among the many museums in Jerusalem, here are ten especially recommended ones that are worthwhile visiting during your next visit to the capital.
The Israel Museum
The Israel Museum is the most important museum in Israel, which includes exhibitions, archeological artifacts, works of art, plus changing events and activities for all the family.
Location: 11 Rupin Boulevard
Opening Hours: Vary according to day, date and section of the museum. It is recommended to check before coming.
The Davidson Center
An archeological center of the remnants of a central street on the way to the Second Temple. This street, which according to estimations was the main street, included stores, buildings, and the remains of steps going up to the Temple Mount.
Location: next to the entrance to the Western Wall site
Opening Hours: Sundays through Thursdays: 08:00 to 17:00/19:00 (depending on winter/summer time), Fridays: 08:00 to 13:00/14:00. The site is closed on Saturdays and holidays
The Science Museum
The Science Museum in located in Givat Ram, next to many other museums and sites, and includes changing exhibitions on various technological and scientific subjects. The museum is known for its unique approach to children, expressed in the character of the exhibitions and exhibits, the variety of subjects on display and the exhibitions that change relatively often. In short, a perfect museum for families and children that love research, science and new discoveries.
Location: 3 Museums Boulevard, Jerusalem
Opening Hours: Closed on Sundays, Mondays through Thursdays: 10:00 to 18:00, Fridays: 10:00 to 14:00, Saturdays 10:00 to 16:00/17:00 (winter/summer time)
The Wohl Museum
A compound that contains the remains of several buildings belonging to the Jerusalem nobility, findings that testify to the way of life of the Jews living in ancient times, as well the identities of those living there – due to the variety of findings, such as many ritual baths which testify to many Cohens (Priests) living there (which can also be assumed by the location of the buildings close to the Temple), mosaic floors, well designed clay dishes and more.
Location: the museum is located in the Jewish Quarter
Opening hours: Sundays through Thursdays: 09:00 to 17:00, Fridays: 09:00 to 13:00, last entry on all days is half an hour before closing time.
Old Yishuv Court Museum
When talking about visiting the homes of the Jewish Quarter’s residents, in this museum we can skip to a later period in history: the period of the Old Yishuv in the city. In a 500 year-old house, one can see from close-up the artifacts and the way of life of the Jews in the city.
Location: the Jewish Quarter (6 Or HaHayim Street)
Opening Hours: Hours are changeable according to seasons and dates. Check your visiting times. The museum is closed on Saturdays and Holidays
The Tower of David
One of the best known and best loved attractions in Jerusalem. The museum contains treasures that are some 300 years old, that cover important periods in the history of Jerusalem. The tower, or Citadel, which have become one of the symbols of the city, contains exhibitions, night shows, a lookout point and more.
Location: entrance is near to the Jaffa Gate
Opening hours: Sundays through Thursdays: 09:00 to 16:00, in August to 17:00, Fridays and Holiday eves: 09:00 to 14:00, Saturdays and holidays: 09:00 to 16:00, in August to 17:00
The Museum of Hebrew Music
Very close to the center of the city, and a walking distance from Jaffa Road, is Music Square, where there is a small but very well designed museum that deals with musical styles and instruments which characterized Jewish music over the ages. A unique museum among the museums in Jerusalem. Visiting the museum is by means of a computerized, pleasant character known as “Saba Levy”, and by scanning barcodes on your tablet.
Location: 10 Yoel Moshe Salomon Street
Opening hours: Sundays through Thursdays: 09:30 to 20:00, Fridays: 09:30 to 13:30
Yad v’Shem
The official and largest institution in Israel for memorializing the Holocaust. The museum has many parts, memorials and original artifacts from the Holocaust period, including a railway carriage used to transport Jews to the concentration camps.
Location: Mount Herzl, Jerusalem
Opening hours: Sundays through Wednesdays: 08:30 to 18:00, Thursdays: 08:30 to 20:00, Fridays and eves of holidays: 08:30 to 14:00
There are parts of the museum that have slightly different opening hours.
The Museum of Natural History in Jerusalem
A rich museum of nature located in an old stone house, and includes exhibits of stuffed animals, exhibitions and many types of activities.
Location: 6 Shmuel Mohilever Street
Opening hours: vary according to the day of the week. The museum is closed on Saturdays, holiday eves and holidays, and is open on all the days of Hol HaMoed.
Givat HaTachmoshet (Ammunition Hill)
A memorial site that tells the story of the liberation of Jerusalem, and specifically the battle that took place there. There is a museum there, which includes information and rare, historical artifacts.
Location: 5 Zalman Shragai Street
Opening hours: Sundays through Thursdays: 09:00 to 17:00, Fridays: 09:00 to 13:00
