10 Best museums in Jerusalem

The City of Three Cultures is the perfect place to learn about Christian, Jewish and Muslim heritage. It brings together a variety of museums with different themes, allowing you to travel back in time through exhibits, ancient artefacts and historical sites. You'll be spoilt for choice, for example, if you're looking to learn about local history, head 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, which has fun and interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. Overall, I recommend including at least three museums in your itinerary to enrich your tours and gain a better understanding of life in Jerusalem.

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

I recommend you start your tour in the history room, which is divided by theme. In this way, you can learn chronologically about the Jewish persecution, the torture in the concentration camps, the confinement in the ghetto neighbourhoods, 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 Jerusalem's three cultures and make a stop at the Holocaust Museum. These types of experiences start at 67 euros andusually 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 Sepulchre, 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.
• Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 9.00am to 4.00pm, Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm and Saturday closed for the Sabbath.
• How to get there: there are several bus lines that connect to the museum, including Superbus line 91. There are also guided tours that usually include transfers.

Jewish culture has a complex history, having survived several historical events since its origin around 1800 BC. In Jerusalem you can find around 5,000 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 major 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 neighbourhoods and typical costumes such as wedding dresses, special garments for rituals and the typical black hat, known as a 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 modern-day Judaism.

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, jewellery, pottery and ancient pieces from the holy book of the Koran.

The tour is quite enjoyable, as it is divided into seven rooms, which makes it easy to learn about the Islamic artistic periods and the influence of Iranian, Ottoman and Mogul art on the pieces collected. In this way, you will be able to observe the contrast between both artistic currents, as Jewish art is mostly dedicated to religion, history and 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, with 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 neighbourhood.
• Hours: The Hechal Schlomo Museum of Jewish Art is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. On Tuesdays the opening hours can be extended and remain open until 18:00. 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. On some days it may be open for longer, such as Thursdays, when it is open until 19:00. Please note that it is usually closed on Sundays.
• How to get there: Egged and Extra buses connect to the Jewish Art Museum area, but you can easily walk through the Old Town or take the Cfir tram. Later you can take the 13, 22, 92 to get to 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 AD and the Shrine of the Book, which contains 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 neighbouring cultures from 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 exhibitions. 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).

Interesting details

• Price: from 14 euros.
• Location: near the Israel National Campus of Archaeology, on Ruppin Boulevard.
• Hours: generally open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 10am-5pm, Tuesday 4pm-9pm; Friday 10am-2pm.
• 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 visit if you plan to spend 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.

Night tours take place in the evening, as well as the sound and light show that illuminates the archaeological sites with advanced technology. In addition, you can learn more about Herod's Palace, the Ottoman walls and see models of the city's iconic monuments. It's definitely one of the best things to do in Jerusalem, as inside the museum there is a viewing platform ideal for appreciating the Old City and getting 360° views.

Details of interest

• Price: from 10 euros per person.
• Location: next to the Jaffa Gate, in the Armenian Quarter.
• Opening hours: open Sunday to Thursday, specifically from 9am to 4pm. The David Tower is closed on Fridays and Saturdays for the Sabbath break, 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 which have routes every fifteen minutes.

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

Most of the rooms are arranged in chronological order, which makes the visit easier. In addition, the ceilings inside are marvellous, as they were worked in the Roman style. Note that people approach the section where some of the gates of 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: Completely free of charge.
• Location: Sultan Suleiman Street, near Herod's Gate.
• Opening Hours: The museum is usually open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm and is closed on 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 tram.

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

Interesting details

• Price: from 12 euros, children under five are free.
• Location: opposite the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. 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 honour of King David. It is considered the living image of the original city, as it was painstakingly worked on based on excavations that recovered artefacts from the Metal Age. I recommend spending at least half a day here to see the houses of the wealthy families of the time.

You can also wander through the old royal quarter and visit both the Temple and the famous Palace of David. One of the best things to do in Jerusalem is to visit the Hezekiah Tunnels, a 533-metre-long gallery 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 torch and consider that there is a dirt road, and another one where the water is up to your knees.

Interesting details

• Price: from 7 euros, but note that admission is cheaper for children under 18. Guided tours are also available outside the museum from 17 euros per person.
• Location: on Ma'alot Ir David Street.
• Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 to 19:00, but closes at around 16:00 on Fridays and public holidays. 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. There are usually a variety of buses that connect to this museum for less than 1 euro.

If you plan to spend at least 3 days in Jerusalem, you can walk the Via Dolorosa Way of the Cross and visit the Holy Land Museum. 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 exhibitions 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 centuries of history. The most interesting thing is that the images are in 3D, and it also tells anecdotes about the kings who have passed through the Holy Land.

Interesting details

• Price: from 4 euros, with discounts for students and senior citizens. Admission is free for children under the age of 12. 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 point.
• Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, opening hours may vary in summer and winter.
• How to get there: to make the most of your time, I recommend you get there on foot, starting from the first station on 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. Founded in 1992, it offers a journey through the historical context of the Persians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Aramaeans, Babylonians, Christians, Canaanites, Philistines, Hittites and Elamites. These civilisations forged the pillars of Eastern culture, so uncovering their secrets is a real treat.

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

Interesting details

• Price: 11 euros and up, children under five free.
• Location: on Shmuel Stefan Wise Street, next to the Israel Museum.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.30am, closing times may vary.
• How to get there: Buses run every 30 minutes.

If you want to immerse yourself in a magical musical atmosphere, then you must head 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 symbolises the Hungarian-Jewish culture.

You will be able to appreciate Hebrew music, as well as the influence of other cultures in the creation of rhythms. To make your visit more enjoyable, there are often interactive activities and audio-visual screenings. In August, there are events aimed at discovering Jewish music, which may be of interest to you.

Interesting details

• Price: around 15 euros, one of the most expensive museums.
• Location: on Yo'el Moshe Salomon St.
• Opening 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 taxi.