Museums in West Jerusalem (Jerusalem)

Artist's House

Its five galleries host a range of local and sometimes international exhibitions by artists, photographers and designers. The works vary from artistic collaborations between Palestinian and Israeli children, to large-scale installations made from cake. The building is interesting in itself, its arabesque design allows you a glimpse of turn of the century arched windows and doorways, and its interior has a calming atmosphere away from the bustle of the centre. Within the "house" there is also a cafe and bar and a selection of work by Israeli artists for sale.

U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art

This museum has many artifacts from Italy's Jewish community during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, such at ketubot (marriage contracts) and ornamental objects for both home and synagogue. But, their showpiece is the Conegliano Veneto Synagogue, which was constructed near Venice in 1701 and dismantled and brought to Israel in 1952. This is still a working Synagogue, with services held here on Shabbat and holidays by the Italian Jewish community. Concerts are also held at the museum, as well as other special events, in their large painted hall. Call ahead for details.

Ofra Friedland Gallery

Ofra Friedland Gallery is a contemporary Israeli artist's gallery that focuses specifically on Judaic and Israeli subjects. "Graced with the divine inspiration of Zion", this artist's paintings depict richly colored landscapes with Biblical or Zionist references. The gallery is open for viewing or buying and has a collection of miniatures and larger oil paintings as well as ceramic and bronze sculpture. Of particular interest to those with an interest in the Jewish religion. Catalogues are available.

The Natural History Museum

Various topics are on display here including the history of dinosaurs, reptiles and mammal development. The bird displays are wonderful and showcase some of Israel's most beautiful winged creatures. The best exhibits are specific to Israel and include the rocks, minerals and landforms. The museum is informative, but lacking interactive features to keep young children's full attention. Group tours are available and can be combined with science films by calling in advance. During the summer, the museum hosts a nature camp and throughout the school year enrichment classes are offered.

Time Elevator

This attraction, which opened in 1998, provides a white-knuckle simulator ride through Jerusalem's long and turbulent history. The audience is seat-belted in and given headphones for a journey through earthquakes, fires, and the destruction of the city (with seat jolts to accompany). The 25 minute movie begins in the times of King David and Solomon and culminates with the Six-Day War in 1967. Along the way, the audience witnesses the birth of Christianity and the emergence of Islam. The time travel experience concludes with a beautiful aerial ride over the Jerusalem of today. The attraction is not suitable for children under 5. There are stationary seats for heart patients, pregnant women, or those with motion sickness. Admission: NIS 50 for adults NIS 40 for children

King David's Tomb

This synagogue and shrine is in the same building as the Cenacle. A cloth-covered cenotaph honors King David (who was actually buried in the nearby City of David: I Kings 2:10). Probably his tomb was mistakenly located here during the Byzantine period, when Christians celebrated King David and James, the Hebrew and Christian founders of Jerusalem, on Mount Zion. The present building was erected in 1335 by the Franciscans. However, the floor dates back to the second century, when it may have been the "little church of God" mentioned by Epiphanius of Salamis. A nearby room houses an exhibit on the Psalms and is especially worth seeing.

Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design

Situated on Mount Scopus between East and West Jerusalem, Bezalel is Israel's first school of art and design. Formerly located in Artists' House on Bezalel Street, this school trains Israeli and international students for a career in the world of art, design and architecture. It has a gallery by the foyer in which there are frequent exhibitions by photography students. Occasionally shows by architecture and design students take place in the adjoining foyer. This is where you will see the contemporary and uninhibited art which Israel has to offer.

Jerusalem Centre for Planning in Historic Cities

Did you ever wonder how city planners choose to preserve important ancient sites while meeting the modern needs of a large city? Here's one place to find out. Located in the basement of Jerusalem's new City Hall, a 1:500 detailed model of Jerusalem is on display. Created by the Jerusalem city engineer and a team of architecture students from the Technion in Haifa, the model provides a way to study and test various development options. Call to make an appointment to see the model, and while you're at City Hall, be sure to go to the top floor for a panoramic view of the city from the enclosed balcony.

Mayanot Gallery

This colorful gallery has works on display by many of Israel's most celebrated Zionist artists. Permanent collections include works by Abel Pann, Ludwig Blum and Meir Alexrod. The works focus on portraits of ultra-Orthodox Jews and biblical scenes, as well as still life paintings. All the work is connected to Israel and Judaism in one form or another. Some oil paintings are for sale, transactions of which are arranged by appointment. Small prints are also for sale.

Bloomfield Science Museum

This hands-on museum is an exciting place for children and young teens. Each exhibit has interesting explanations with levers, gadgets and fun science toys to play with. Learn why skyscrapers don't fall down, how information is copied and transferred across the world and study our atmosphere, weather patterns and how humans can reduce air pollution. Throughout the week there are scientific demonstrations, guided tours, workshops and activity corners, under the direction of experienced guides. Come with the entire family or make reservations for your tour group.

Ammunition Hill Memorial and Museum

One of the fiercest battles in Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War was fought here by Israeli paratroopers to take the well-fortified Jordanian position that blocked the way to the Mount Scopus campus of the Hebrew University. Visitors can walk along the trenches to imagine the fighting, and can pay their respects to the fallen at the memorial for Battalian 66. The museum offers models and an audio-visual display describing the battle. In the surrounding park, one sometimes encounters Israeli and Jordanian families partaking of a memorial meal in honor of relatives who fell here. There is a small entrance fee.

Bible Lands Museum

This museum, which is based primarily on the private collection of its founder, Dr. Elie Borowski, displays objects that depict religious myths and scenes of everyday life from the ancient Near East. Each object in the museum has been displayed for its historic importance and often for its aesthetic beauty. Some objects include pottery and metal work used in ancient ritual and daily life. Though artefacts, patrons learn about early civilisations, including the development of writing with pictograph scripts. In addition to the museum's permanent collection, exhibits change seasonally. For the millennium, the museum examines how the stories of the Old Testament are depicted in early Christian art.



Museum Admission: Adult - NIS 28 Pensioner - NIS 23 Child/Student/Soldier/Disabled/New Immigrant - NIS 15



Saturday Night Concert Tickets: Adult - NIS 65 Student/Seniors/Disabled/New Immigrant - NIS 55 Soldiers - NIS 40