10 Best museums in Jerusalem

The City of Three Cultures is the perfect place to learn about the Christian, Jewish and Muslim heritage. It brings together a variety of museums with different themes, which will allow you to travel back in time through exhibits, ancient objects and historical sites. You will have different options to choose from, for example, if you are looking to learn about local history, you can go to the Israel Museum.

There are other alternatives where you can discover the ruins of the City of David, explore the memorial to the Jewish victims of World War II or appreciate Islamic art and the legacy of Hebrew music. The best museum for children is the Bloomfield Science Museum, as it has fun and interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. In general, I recommend including at least three museums in your itinerary to enrich your tours and better understand life in Jerusalem.

The Holocaust Museum brings together the most chilling stories of World War II. It is a gallery whose exhibits will help you understand the lamentable situation that hundreds of Jews lived during this time. In fact, in one of the rooms you can find the Memorial of the Victims, as well as the Children's Memorial.

I recommend you to start your tour in the history room, which is divided by themes. In this way, you can learn chronologically about the Jewish persecution, the torture in the concentration camps, the confinement in the ghetto neighborhoods, as well as the testimonies of the survivors. It is important to be over 10 years old, as the building is papered with sensitive images that are difficult to assimilate.

The best tours of the city allow you to get to know the Holy Land. In fact, you can take advantage of a guided bus tour, to learn about the three cultures of Jerusalem and make a stop at the Holocaust Museum. These types of experiences start at 67 eurosand usually explore 3,000 years of history through visits to iconic monuments. You will have the opportunity to tour the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock and the Garden Tomb.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: on Herzl Avenue, where the Mount of Remembrance is located.
• Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while on Fridays it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and closed on Saturdays for the Sabbath.
• How to get there: there are different bus lines that connect with this museum, including Superbus line 91. There are also guided tours that usually include transfers.

Jewish culture has a complex history, having survived various historical events since its origin around 1800 BC. In Jerusalem you can find about five thousand valuable objects and pieces of art, which are preserved in the Hechal Schlomo Museum of Jewish Art. Most of them are items that survived wars, persecutions and the destruction of important cities.

For example, you can find an authentic Hanukiot, known to be a type of candelabrum that was used in the Warsaw Synagogue. You will also come across an exhibition dedicated to the ghetto neighborhoods and typical costumes such as wedding dresses, special garments for rituals and the typical black hat, known as tophat. This visit can be accompanied by a tour of the Orthodox Jewish quarter, which is notable for its synagogues, original columns and passageways that mark the quiet lifestyle of Judaism today.

You can complement this with a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art, to explore the collections of Muslim art. Mostly preserved are carpets, handicrafts, antique clocks, jewelry, vessels and ancient pieces from the holy book Quran.

The tour is quite enjoyable, as it is divided into seven rooms, which makes it easy to know the Islamic artistic periods and the influence of Iranian, Ottoman and Mogul art in the collected pieces. In this way, you will be able to observe the contrast between both artistic currents, since Jewish art is mostly dedicated to religion, history and its rituals, while Islamic art focuses on collecting pieces that come from countries where Islam was predominant.

Interesting details

• Price: The Museum of Jewish Art offers tickets from 5 euros, there are discounts for children, seniors, students and family packages. For its part, the cost of the Museum of Islamic Art ranges from 12 euros.
• Location: The Museum of Jewish Art is located near Georget St, while the Museum of Islamic Art is on HaPalmach Street in the Katamon neighborhood.
• Hours: The Hechal Schlomo Museum of Jewish Art operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. On Tuesdays the hours can be extended and remain open until 6:00 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, on the other hand, it is usually closed. On the other hand, the Museum of Islamic Art is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 hours, some days it may be open longer, such as Thursdays when the hours are extended until 19:00 hours. Please note that it is usually closed on Sundays.
• How to get there: there are Egged and Extra buses that connect with the area of the Museum of Jewish Art, but you can easily walk through the Old City or take the Cfir streetcar. Later, you can take lines 13, 22, 92 to reach the Museum of Islamic Art.

To begin learning about Israel's history and exploring modern Israeli art, I recommend a visit to the Israel Museum. Most visitors are attracted by its replica of the ancient Citadel of Jerusalem, the model of the Second Temple that was destroyed in 70 A.D. and the Shrine of the Book that preserves the first seven Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947. It is considered the most complete in the entire city, with biblical manuscripts and archaeological finds.

In fact, I recommend you stop by the exhibits that revolve around different periods of Israel, as well as neighboring cultures corresponding to Egypt, Greece and Italy. Here you can also find creative works by artists, architects and photographers that derive from Israeli art, modern art, European art and contemporary art. The most beautiful part of this section is the Art Garden, with outdoor exhibits. In addition, you can't leave without touring the Jewish wing, where you can learn about synagogues, manuscripts, costumes, holidays and the symbolism of the Sabbath (the day of rest and prayer).

Details of interest

• Price: from 14 euros.
• Location: near the Israel National Campus of Archaeology, on Ruppin Boulevard.
• Hours: generally open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
• How to get there: you can take the Egged or Superbus bus lines.

The Tower of David is a local landmark located in the Armenian quarter, which I recommend you to visit if you plan to stay at least 3 days in Jerusalem. Not only does it offer amazing panoramic views of the city, it also houses the History Museum that will allow you to travel back in time through 4,000 years of local memories. It was built on the remains of the Old Citadel, so you can see debris from the First Temple and the walls.

In the evening, there are night tours, as well as the sound and light show that illuminates the archaeological sites with advanced technology. Additionally, you can learn more about Herod's Palace, the Ottoman walls and observe models of the city's emblematic monuments. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best things to do in Jerusalem, as inside the museum there is an ideal viewpoint to appreciate the Old City and get 360° views.

Details of interest

• Price: from 10 euros per person.
• Location: next to the Jaffa Gate, in the Armenian quarter.
• Hours: open Sunday through Thursday, specifically from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The David Tower is closed on Fridays and Saturdays for the Sabbath rest, however the museum is usually open on some Saturdays.
• How to get there: you can easily get there by bus, using the Sur Baher Bus and South Buses lines that have routes every fifteen minutes.

In Jerusalem the most important archaeological sites are preserved in the Rockefeller Museum. Located in the city since 1938, it has collected historical pieces from Israeli and Palestinian excavations during the 20th century. Most exhibits comprise antiquities ranging from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period. You can find jewelry, scrolls, vessels, ancient coins and sculptures.

Most of the rooms are arranged in chronological order, which makes the visit easier. In addition, the ceilings inside are a marvel, as they were worked based on the Roman style. Note that people approach the section where some of the doors of the al-Aqsa Mosque are kept, because of their historical value. The central courtyard is also worth a look, as its arches hold ancient sarcophagi.

Details of interest

• Price: it is completely free of charge.
• Location: on Sultan Suleiman Street, near Herod's Gate.
• Hours: usually open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and closed Tuesdays and Fridays. Occasionally, the museum is temporarily closed for renovations or maintenance.
• How to get there: you can take the ATA Buses bus or the Cfir streetcar.

In Jerusalem there is an ideal place to study the most important discoveries through interactive exhibits. The Bloomfield Science Museum was founded in 1992 to create a learning space in the city. You can delve into water, electricity and other scientific ingenuities of local and international minds.

It is one of the best things to do in Jerusalem, especially if you go with children. All the rooms are interactive, which makes the visit more enjoyable and engaging for any age. In fact, there is an area where they will teach you how to make water tornadoes. Overall, it's the perfect place for hands-on learning.

Details of interest

• Price: from 12 euros, children under five years old have free access.
• Location: opposite the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
• Hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please note that it is closed on Fridays and Sundays.
• How to get there: you can use Superbus line 97.

The City of David Museum is an architectural relic, built in honor of King David. It is considered the living image of the original city, as it was carefully worked on the basis of excavations that recovered pieces from the Metal Age. I recommend spending at least half a day there to see the houses of the wealthy families of that time.

You can also stroll through the old royal quarter and visit both the temple and the famous palace of David. It is one of the best things to do in Jerusalem, since here are the Hezekiah Tunnels, a gallery with an approximate length of 533 meters, used centuries ago to transport water. It is a historical and religious tour where you will learn interesting facts, I just recommend you to bring a flashlight and consider that there is a dirt road, and another where the water covers up to the knees.

Interesting details

• Price: from 7 euros, note that the entrance is cheaper for children under 18 years. In addition, guided tours are available outside the museum from 17 euros per person.
• Location: on Ma'alot Ir David Street.
• Hours: open from Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, consider that on Fridays and holidays it closes around 4:00 pm. It is also closed on Saturdays.
• How to get there: because of its name, some people confuse this museum with the David Tower, so be careful not to end up in the wrong direction. In general, there are a variety of buses that connect with this museum from less than 1 euro.

If you plan to stay at least 3 days in Jerusalem, you can make the Via Dolorosa Way of the Cross and take the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Holy Land. Specifically, it is located at the second station, on the premises of the Monastery of the Flagellation. Its interior contains historical pieces, ancient coins and archaeological sites. It has three sections: archaeological room, multimedia room and historical room.

Occasionally, there are special exhibits and cultural events. In addition, the interactive documentary film that traces the history of Jerusalem is shown daily. It lasts about fifteen minutes, but it is worth it because it allows you to travel through historical centuries. The most interesting thing is that the images are in 3D, also tells anecdotes about the kings who have passed through the Holy Land.

Interesting details

• Price: from 4 euros, with discounts for students and seniors. In addition, admission is free for children under twelve years. If you want to see the documentary, the price rises to around 5 euros.
• Location: on the Via Dolorosa, you can use the Monastery of the Flagellation as a reference.
• Hours: every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, the schedule may vary in summer and winter.
• How to get there: to make the most of the time I recommend you to arrive on foot, starting from the first station of the Via Dolorosa. You can also take the bus.

The Bible mentions many peoples, so it seems impossible to get to know them all. However, the Bible Lands Museum makes it possible. It was founded in 1992 and offers a journey through the historical context of the Persians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Aramaeans, Babylonians, Christians, Canaanites, Philistines, Hittites and Elamites. These civilizations forged the pillars of Eastern culture, so unveiling their secrets is a great plan.

In addition, you can find Egyptian hieroglyphs, statues of famous goddesses, sacred amulets and writing tablets. Its structure is one of the most modern in Jerusalem, and it tends to be less crowded than other museums and local attractions. If you decide to give it a chance, you will have access to a building that holds at least 10,000 years of history.

Details of interest

• Price: from 11 euros, children under five are free.
• Location: on Shmuel Stefan Wise Street, next to the Israel Museum.
• Hours: daily from 9:30 a.m., closing times may vary.
• How to get there: buses run every thirty minutes.

If you want to immerse yourself in a magical musical atmosphere, then you have to go to the Hebrew Music Museum. It is a place of learning with captivating passages, where you will live a completely different experience. It houses around 250 musical instruments, brought from Central Asia, Iraq, Syria, Morocco, Andalusia, Africa, among others. For example, you can find an ancient Hungarian harpsichord, which symbolizes the Jewish-Hungarian culture.

You will be able to appreciate Hebrew music, as well as the influence of other cultures in the creation of rhythms. To make the visit more enjoyable, they usually offer interactive activities and audiovisual projections. In August, there are events aimed at discovering Jewish music, which may be of interest to you.

Details of interest

• Price: about 15 euros, being one of the most expensive museums.
• Location: on Yo'el Moshe Salomon St.
• Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 19:00, while on Fridays it closes at 14:00 for the Sabbath and remains closed all day Saturday.
• How to get there: I recommend walking or taking a cab.