Israel Museum: A Treasure Trove of Art and Archaeology

Name: Israel Museum
Address: 11, Jerusalem, Jerusalem District, IL
Rating: 4.7

Home
Destinations
Jerusalem
Israel Museum: A Treasure Trove of Art and Archaeology

Overview

Located in Jerusalem, the Israel Museum stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and artistic expression, with over 500,000 artifacts that chronicle the intricacies of biblical history and Jewish life. Established in 1965 and featuring designs by Alfred Mansfeld and Dora Gad, the museum has undergone significant expansions to elevate the visitor experience. At the heart of the museum is the Shrine of the Book, home to the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls, along with a wealth of rare biblical manuscripts. The museum houses exquisite collections in its Jewish Art and Life wing, showcasing the rhythm of Jewish traditions and lifestyle through thematic exhibitions. The Archaeology section is a stunning representation of the region's rich history, while the Art gallery presents a diverse array of Israeli, modern, and European artworks. Additionally, the Billy Rose Art Garden, crafted by renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, offers a breathtaking outdoor artistic experience, set against the picturesque backdrop of Jerusalem's ancient landscape, featuring masterpieces from iconic artists like Pablo Picasso and Auguste Rodin. The Israel Museum also provides engaging programs and activities for families and youths, enriching the cultural fabric of the community.

Reviews

Oren Cohen

Israel

This was the most impressive museum we have ever visited! We enjoyed it so much we went twice during our time in Jerusalem! We expected to see primarily important Israeli artifacts, but we were pleasantly surprised to discover archaeological remains from around the globe, illustrating the evolution of civilization. The museum also features Jewish displays showcasing life and art, along with modern and contemporary art from various regions. One highlight was the outdoor display of a replica of Jerusalem’s Old City during the time of The Second Temple. The biggest treat were The Dead Sea Scrolls, which I was not familiar with before seeing this exhibit. Excellent collection!

Noa Schwartz

Israel

This is an absolute must-see venue. The extensive, well-documented display cases provide adequate space to comfortably view and study the exhibits. This place is multistory, so plan for several hours of enjoyment and learning. We definitely need to return for a second visit! The mosaics are beautiful.

Daniel Ben-Ari

Israel

I was disappointed with the number of replica mosaics and other items in the museum. While the model of the Second Temple is interesting, it reminds me of the miniatures found in Lego Land. The biggest letdown was the Dead Sea Scrolls. Photography is not permitted, despite the fact that the displayed items are also replicas (politely called facsimiles). Ultimately, the presence of so many fake items detracts from the overall experience.

Lior Amit

Israel

It's an amazing place! It explores not only its own history but also the lives of all who inhabited and were nearby. There is a wealth of exhibits to see. If you can, start very early, as you could spend the entire day there! A free audio guide and rolling chairs are available. Many sights and activities are kid-friendly, including a neat 'Under the Ocean' themed area that teaches kids about environmental awareness.

Tamar Levi

Israel

A must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Jerusalem. The synagogues from around the world are incredible, and the Shrine of the Book is unique. The various temporary exhibits are also fantastic. This museum is very kid-friendly. It's open on Shabbat, which is a plus, and the cafe serving excellent coffee is also open during Shabbat, one of the few in Jerusalem. While it’s not an easy walk there without public transit, it is definitely worth it.