The oldest city on the planet today remains the main center of tourist pilgrimage and believers from various countries. The cradle of three religions, Jerusalem is a concentration of religious monuments, divided into two parts: the Old and New City.
Throughout its existence, it had 70 variations of its name, which indicates the historical importance of Jerusalem. Just this word alone evokes a sacred reverence in many, associating it with the concept of goodness and spiritual purity. The Old City captivates visitors with unique Christian, Jewish, and Muslim shrines, mostly concentrated in it.
Millions of pilgrims make a long journey to touch the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Stone of Anointing, and more. The museums of Jerusalem reveal the tragic and heroic history of the ancient city to guests in all its breadth.
Bible Lands Museum
The cultural and educational center (it is difficult to call this institution otherwise) reveals the secrets of the most mysterious book of all times and peoples — the Bible. More precisely, the ancient history of the Middle East and its civilizations. The only such center in the world was opened in 1992 and immediately gained popularity among Israelis and tourists.
It is a kind of “time machine,” opening up the picture of the wonders of ancient cultures to contemporaries. The merit of its opening belongs to Doctor of Historical Sciences Eli Borowski, a connoisseur of ancient history and art. The basis of the Bible museum’s collection was his collection of exhibits, gathered over half a century. They represent the culture of the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Phoenicians, and Hittites.
In addition to permanent exhibitions, temporary ones are regularly held here, seminars and lectures for students are organized. Opera music concerts are held for the general public. Large interactive displays play a significant role during visits. They show maps with images of the borders of biblical states. The “Sons of the legendary Noah” introduce the principle of biblical unity of humanity.
Exhibits in 20 galleries illustrate scenes of prehistoric hunting, the origins of agriculture, and reveal the history of writing in different periods. The tragic fate of the Jews is shown through their wanderings. The exhibitions reflect the history of ancient states: Assyria, Persia, Greece, Rome, Judea, Mesopotamia. Among the priceless rarities are 6500-year-old samples of ancient writings, sarcophagi of Egyptian pharaohs, and Christian rulers.
Israel Museum
The largest cultural institution in Jerusalem is an avant-garde museum of archaeology and world art. The museum complex exhibits art from the pre-Christian era to the present day. A truly encyclopedic collection of exhibits has been assembled by four cultural institutions in Israel: the Bezalel, Bronfman, Jewish, and Ruth Youth Wing departments.
Since its opening in 1956, the complex’s collection has comprised about 500,000 exhibits, illustrating cultural values for the world public. The architectural masterpieces – the Shrine of the Book and the Model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period – leave an indelible impression on visitors.
The Shrine of the Book is the repository of the priceless Dead Sea Scrolls. They were discovered during archaeological excavations and have become a real national treasure of Israel. After a recent restoration, ideal conditions for their storage have been created in the Shrine of the Book.
Another object here, of great cultural and historical significance, is the Model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple period. The creators of the model recreated the authentic architecture of the city, which was destroyed during the Great Revolt against the Romans. The model, built on a scale of 1:50, initially at the Holyland Hotel, became the property of the complex quite recently.
Examining the model, visitors get acquainted with the historical period of the Second Temple and early Christianity. Before visiting the aforementioned objects, a 22-minute film on the problems of Judaism during the formation of this religion is shown in the cinema hall. The Art Garden, created by the American sculptor, Japanese Noguchi, impresses guests.
Here, sculptures by world-famous masters of different eras, such as Rodin, Picasso, Moore, Turrell, and others, are displayed. In the Youth Wing, exhibition galleries, creative classes, and workshops are organized for schoolchildren.
Shrine of the Book
Near Givat Ram hill is a white jug-shaped building. This is the upper part of the temple structure, making up 1/3 of it. 2/3 of the building is located underground. The white color of the above-ground part of the Shrine of the Book, built in 1965, symbolizes Light. The wall of black basalt installed opposite signifies Darkness.
Their union tells of the constant struggle between light and dark forces, between Good and Evil. The shape of the building in the form of a jug is a tribute to the jug in which the ancient Dead Sea scrolls were preserved. The Dead Sea Biblical Manuscripts (Qumran Scrolls) were discovered in the caves of Wadi Qumran in the mid-20th century.
The most preserved of them is the Isaiah Scroll (2nd century BCE). The interiors of the Shrine of the Book are stylized to resemble the environment in which the Qumran scrolls were found. A permanent exhibition illustrates the life and everyday life of ancient Qumran residents. Among the priceless rarities are unique biblical manuscripts, the only ones of their kind.
There are also Masada artifacts of great interest. The staff of the institution carefully preserve the scrolls, as they are very fragile. They are exhibited alternately, changing every six months. Then restorers work on them in a special room to preserve these greatest monuments of antiquity for longer.
Tower of David
An important cultural and historical monument located at the Jaffa Gate, it bears witness to the much-suffering past of the Israeli people, from prehistoric times to the 20th century. From the mighty citadel built about 3,000 years ago, today only the high tower remains intact. Ruins of two other towers and a minaret are also located here.
The ancient fortress was named the Tower of David during the Turkish invasion. According to legend, the fortress was built during the reign of King David and his son Solomon. This is confirmed by artifacts found by archaeologists during excavations. The well-preserved high tower “Phasael” was built during the reign of King Herod the Great when Jerusalem was captured by the Romans.
Over the centuries, the citadel was alternately owned by crusaders, Arabs, Mamluks, and Turks. During the intervals between wars, the fortress territory was cleared of debris and made a tourist attraction. But after it was captured by the Jordanians in 1948, the Tower of David served them as a fortification for another 20 years.
The Tower of David became a cultural monument again as a result of the Six-Day War (1967). Nowadays, the “Phasael” tower houses the City History Museum. Ancient artifacts, some of which are 2,700 years old, are exhibited here. The inner space of the citadel is an archaeological park. The fortress walls serve as an excellent observation deck for viewing Jerusalem.
Rockefeller Museum
The owner of a unique collection of Palestinian antiquities, the Palestinian Archaeological Museum was named the Rockefeller Museum in 1938. The famous financier and philanthropist John Rockefeller made a significant contribution to its creation, allocating 2 million US dollars. It took eight years (1930-38) to construct the museum building.
Construction was halted because tombs from the 5th century BCE were discovered during the excavation of the foundation pit. The institution of history and culture is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, some of which are 2 million years old. All the exhibits are presented here in chronological order, from the earliest items to later finds.
The exhibitions feature artifacts from different eras, starting from the Paleolithic era and ending with the late Islamic period (2 million years). Among the exhibits are rarities from Samaria, Jericho, Megiddo, Ashkelon, Jerusalem. The mosaic floor of the 6th century Talmudic era with an inscription in Aramaic is impressive.
The most famous exhibits here are the wooden panels found in the ruins of the Al-Aqsa Mosque of the 8th century and the marble slabs from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre of the 12th century. Several Dead Sea Scrolls, stored in the institution until 1967, were moved to the Shrine of the Book. To better preserve the collection, the museum halls are not heated in winter, so visitors need to dress warmly.
Museum of Underground Prisoners
The creation of the independent state of Israel in 1948 was an important political achievement for the Jewish people. Underground organizations “Haganah,” “Irgun,” “Lehi,” which fought against British occupation, played a significant role in this. Many members of the underground were imprisoned during the occupation period (30 years).
The prison was located in the former building of the “Russian Compound,” a shelter for pilgrims from Russia. In 1917, when British rule was established in Palestine, the shelter was turned into a prison. Jews and Arabs from the liberation underground became its prisoners, some of whom were executed.
In the 1970s, the Israeli government bought the “Russian Compound” building for the Ministry of Defense. In memory of the underground prisoners, the Museum of Underground Prisoners was organized in the former prison in 1991. The creators of the institution sought to preserve the gloomy atmosphere of the prison in the interiors: barbed wire, signs with room names, metal bars.
Visitors can see authentic cells with prisoners’ beds and clothes. Among them are rooms for special prisoners, death row inmates, solitary confinement. Excursionists inspect the bakery, workshops where the prisoners worked. In a special room used as a synagogue, prisoners prayed.
In the prison yard, monuments are erected to two underground members accused of attempting to assassinate a British officer and policeman. Moshe Barazani and Meir Feinstein blew themselves up with a grenade brought to them by their underground comrades while awaiting execution.
Yad Vashem
The horrifying crime of exterminating Jews continues to disturb the global community. Israel considers it its duty to preserve the memory of the numerous victims of the Holocaust. Therefore, in 1953, the Yad Vashem Memorial Complex (Memory) was created in Jerusalem.
It is located on the Mount of Remembrance, occupying an area of 45 acres. The goal of this complex is to collect documents, photos, videos, testimonies of survivors to perpetuate the memory of the innocently dead. An equally important task of Yad Vashem is to study and teach the history of the Holocaust.
The Memorial includes museums, the Hall of Remembrance, research and educational centers, the Valley of Communities, the Children’s Memorial, and various monuments. The active visitation of Yad Vashem and its sites by millions of people is evidence of the unceasing interest in the Holocaust worldwide.
Today, the Archive of the complex has collected millions of testimonies about this crime. The search and collection of them are ongoing, new names of Holocaust victims, dead and survivors, are being established. To date, more than 4.8 million affected people have been identified. The library holds a huge collection of newspapers, magazines, and books about the Holocaust.
Historians, teachers, public figures, and students come here. Artistic and documentary films, personal photos and videos, animation, monologues of surviving Jews are shown in the complex’s Video Center. Yad Vashem staff are closely connected with the International Institute for Holocaust Studies. Joint seminars, conferences, and discussions are held here.
An International School for the Study of the Unprecedented Crime has been created. Two museums operate on the territory of Yad Vashem: the Holocaust History Museum and the Art Museum.
Bloomfield Science Museum
It is known that Israel has always had a respectful attitude towards science and education. The country of scientists, engineers, biologists, doctors managed to create modern electronic medicine, advanced agrotechnology, and the best education system in the world. Therefore, the proposal of Professor of Physics and Neurobiology Peter Hillman of the Hebrew University to organize a Science Museum found broad support in society.
A significant financial contribution to the realization of this project was made by the Bloomfield family from Canada, after whom the created institution was named. Its goal is to develop interest in science among the younger generation. The museum’s exhibitions, spread over more than 5 thousand square meters, represent computer and hydrological technology, physical phenomena, electricity, mechanics.
The principle of interactivity is the basis of visiting exhibitions, where every schoolchild can press buttons, move levers, rotate exhibits and see the result of these manipulations. Interest in children is awakened immediately upon entering the building: a massive granite ball (6 tons) on running water can be easily turned even by a child. This is made possible by the low friction coefficient.
In the equipped pools in the yard, the operation of hydraulic mechanisms is shown. Children enjoy watching their work, standing under refreshing sprays. With no less enthusiasm, schoolchildren create light graffiti, animation in the light exhibition.
At the Communication Means exhibition, they vividly see how sounds are transmitted in the form of flickering lights through transparent optical cables connecting two phones. In the mechanics section, young visitors use wheels and levers to move massive structures.
They watch with delight the “performances” of the “Organ Grinder” theater, whose “heroes” are created from fragments of old furniture. Moving and singing constructions represent characters from M. Bulgakov, I. Krylov, I. Bosch.
Ticho House
The historical 19th-century building, one of the first built outside the Old City, belonged to the wealthy Arab Nashashibi. In 1924, it became the property of the married couple Albert and Anna Ticho. Ophthalmologist Albert opened an eye clinic, later making it accessible to all Jerusalem citizens, regardless of their income.
He made a significant contribution to the development of ophthalmology and gained worldwide recognition. After his death, Anna devoted herself to drawing, creating many graphic and painting works over 60 years. Some of her landscapes and portraits are exhibited in various galleries in the country today.
The Ticho House during the life of its owners was a meeting place for the city’s creative intelligentsia. In her will, Anna bequeathed the house, the collection of paintings, and the library to Jerusalem for the creation of a cultural center. The renovation of the building according to Anna’s plan was carried out by the famous Israeli architect Kroyanker.
Now Ticho House is a branch of the famous cultural institution, the Israel Museum, as one of its exhibitions. It presents archival documents, testimonies of the life and activities of the Ticho couple. Here you can see a unique collection of 7-branched menorah candlesticks collected by Albert, his medical instruments.
The extensive Ticho library testifies to the wide range of interests of these remarkable personalities. The main exhibition of the institution is an art exhibition of Anna’s works, demonstrating the artistic evolution of the artist from naturalism to abstraction. Watercolor landscapes, floral compositions, and female portraits reflect Anna’s spiritual connection with the city and its inhabitants. The graphic works are executed in charcoal, graphite, and ink. In painting, she used watercolor, oil, and pastel.
Herzl Museum
Journalist, writer, and political figure Theodor Herzl (1860-1904) earned the respect and gratitude of Israelis. He founded the worldwide Zionist organization that defended the interests of Jews. His human rights activities brought the establishment of an independent Jewish state closer.
The creation of the Herzl Museum is a tribute to the man who dedicated himself to fighting for Jewish rights. The goal of the cultural institution, equipped with modern audiovisual equipment, is to study Herzl’s creative and political legacy. During a one-hour tour, visitors get acquainted with the politician’s biography and the peculiarities of the era in which he lived. The author of the novel “Old New Land” (in Hebrew – Tel Aviv) dreamed of the establishment of an independent Jewish state.
In each of the four halls of the museum, extensive displays are installed. They show a documentary film that recreates Herzl’s life and his participation in fateful historical events. In the first hall, one can learn about anti-Semitic sentiments in Europe and the world at the end of the 19th century, and the Dreyfus affair, unjustly accused in France.
The second hall tells about Zionist congresses, the material of which was carefully recreated over three years. In the third hall, Herzl’s study is displayed: his desk, diaries, documents, notes, personal belongings. The exhibition in the fourth hall shows how Herzl’s ideas and dreams of Jewish independence were realized in modern times.
Museum of Nature
The diverse world of fauna, flora, and geology in its evolutionary development is presented in the Museum of Nature. It is housed in a historic two-story building from the 19th century near the walls of the Old City. The local history institution was opened here in 1964. Most of the exhibitions are occupied by a zoological display representing Israel’s fauna.
Here you can get acquainted with various species of mammals, reptiles, and birds living in the country’s territory. A separate exhibition is dedicated to the era of dinosaurs, with sculptures installed in life-size. The museum building is surrounded by a beautiful garden laid out by the former owner of the mansion. A charming corner of a landscape garden with representatives of local flora in the English style has been created here.
One part of the garden is occupied by a mini-zoo, home to ducks, reptiles, small and large rodents, and other animals. It is a favorite spot for children of all ages watching the zoo’s inhabitants. The institution’s exhibitions present all sections of natural science, including humans as biological beings.
A special exhibition introduces visitors to the anatomical structure of the human body and its internal systems in their interaction. At the exhibition dedicated to geology and planetary structure, collections of precious stones and minerals are presented.
The taxidermy corner with stuffed animals: lion, tiger, Syrian bear, and others is interesting. The mini-exhibition, where a two-headed calf and 3D spider are displayed, gives an idea of natural mutations.
Museum of Islamic Art
Everyone who enters the L.A. Mayer Institute for Islamic Art is struck by the scale and variety of exhibits presented in the institution’s nine halls. The Museum of Islamic Art was opened at the initiative of Vera Salomons, the daughter of the famous collector David Salomons. In 1974, she dedicated it to her teacher, Professor Mayer.
Visiting the unique institution is an exciting journey into the world of Islamic art from the 7th to the 19th centuries. Various styles and directions of Islamic art are presented here, starting from the Umayyad period (7th-8th centuries) and ending with the Ottoman period (17th-19th centuries). The countless number of jewelry made of precious metals and stones amazes with the variety of forms and types.
The magnificent collection of antique clocks collected by D. Salomons is stunning. Among them is a true masterpiece – the clock of Marie Antoinette. They were made by the famous master Abraham-Louis Breguet for the French queen. Due to the complexity of their construction, they rank 5th in the world and are valued today at 30 million dollars.
Along with the clocks, various mechanisms, music boxes, and luxury items made to order by wealthy Europeans and royal families are displayed here. An extensive hall presents samples of weapons from the 7th-9th centuries: daggers, bows, sabers, rifles, and pistols. There are also samples of military equipment and insignia. A rich collection of ceramics, glass and metalware, carpets, and instruments is presented.
Moshe Castel Museum of Art
“Art of the highest league” is how one can describe the artistic work of Moshe Castel, a renowned Israeli painter (1909-1990). At the age of 16, he graduated from the Parisian Bezalel Academy and returned to Israel. Here, Castel realized himself as an artist, becoming a master of visual arts. He created the creative group “New Horizons,” which promoted the universality of artistic elements.
The museum in his name opened in the Jerusalem suburb of Ma’ale Adumim in 2010. This location was not chosen by chance: the artist himself chose it in 1982 when he saw the captivating landscapes from his childhood.
In his works, Castel widely used ancient oriental motifs. Characters in his later paintings, for example, were letters of the ancient alphabet. He introduced a unique technique of painting using crushed basalt into his art. Thus, Castel created the authenticity of the mountain landscapes he loved with all his heart.
In addition to the permanent exhibition with Castel’s works, temporary exhibitions of students’ and contemporary artists’ works are held in the institution. Castel’s works allow tracing the evolution of his creativity. One can admire the irresistible views of the Israeli land for a long time. Lithographs and various souvenirs are sold in the gift shop.