Top Museums in Jerusalem

Ein Kerem

Surrounded by hills dotted with olive and cypress trees, this is a refreshingly quiet village about a 20-minute ride southwest of the Old City. Its quaint stone houses are mostly inhabited by Israeli artists and sculptors, and there is a variety of art galleries in the village. You will also find a choice of intimate cafés and restaurants, and religious sites such as the Ein-Karem church, the Church of the Visitation, and the Spring of The Virgin. Take a walk through the winding streets and view-filled hills.

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.

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

Tower of David Museum

Foundations for this citadel were laid by the Hasmoneans, and expanded by King Herod. Its historical museum presents the multi-layered and multi-cultural history of the city. Worth noting are models of the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, and the Holy Sepulchre in various eras, and a nineteenth century model of the city. Guided tours are available Sunday to Friday in several languages. In addition to the many exhibits and the fine view of the city, it is also possible to schedule private parties and conferences. Tours of the Permanent Exhibition for individual visitors: In English: Sunday-Thursay at 11a. In Hebrew: Monday and Wednesday at 10:30a Admission: NIS 30 for adults NIS 20 for students NIS 15 for children & seniors

Burnt House

This house belonged to the priestly Kathros family at the time of the Second Temple. The excavated basement apparently contained a laboratory for making incense for the Temple rites. Among the finds were stone vessels, a coin mold, spearheads, and a woman's arm bone. The wealthy Herodian quarter was burnt by the Romans in August, 70 C.E. The family may have hid in the drainage canal visible to visitors, but were smoked out and killed. This is an eerily appropriate place to visit during August, when Jews commemorate the destruction of the Temple. Purchase tickets at the nearby Wohl Museum on 1, HaKara'im Street.

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.

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.

Mardigian Museum of Armenian Art and Culture

Armenian institutions have existed in the Holy Land since the third century, when the country adopted Christianity. The present day Armenian community is largely descended from refugees who fled the 1915 massacres, as well as monks and seminarians. The museum displays Armenian art, ceramic tiles and religious artefacts, and books printed on the first printing press set up in Jerusalem. You will gain an overview of the rich history of this ancient community. The museum gift shop offers posters and recordings of the world-famous Armenian Patriarchate Choir. There is a small entrance fee.

The Jerusalem Archaeological Park

Considering the vast amount of history here, The Jerusalem Archaeological Park covers 5,000 years in a clear and fun way. And what better way to learn about the past? Start at the Davidson Centre, where there are exhibition rooms, educational films and so on. The Exhibition Gallery covers four of the main periods represented in the Park: the Second Temple, the Roman, the Byzantine and the Islamic periods. The Jerusalem Archaeological Park itself goes from the Temple Mount walls to the City of David and the slope of Mount Zion and beyond.

Rockfeller Archaeological Museum

For people who are bedazzled by mystic antiques and unexplored excavations, they just cannot miss the largest archaeological museum of Israel—Rockfeller Archaeological Museum. Named after the American philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., this museum is placed in a limestone edifice that reflects the blend of East and West architectural styles. Enter this 70-century old museum to get enchanted by the display of antiquities excavated during the British Mandate. Simply spellbinding that it is, this place is a haven for art connoisseurs, antique lovers and laymen alike.