The Israel Museum in Jerusalem is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, with a collection that spans over 5,000 years of history and culture. The museum is home to over 500,000 objects, including archaeological artifacts, fine art, books and Judaica.
The Israel Museum was founded in 1965 by a group of Israeli citizens who wanted to create a museum that would tell the story of the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. The museum’s first building, the Shrine of the Book, was opened in 1965. The Shrine of the Book is the home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever.
Over the years, the Israel Museum has expanded to a number of other buildings and galleries. The museum’s main campus is located in the Givat Ram neighborhood of Jerusalem, but the museum also has a number of satellite museums throughout Israel.
The Israel Museum is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a major center for research and education. The museum offers a variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages, including lectures and workshops.
The Shrine of the Book
The Shrine of the Book is the most famous building at the Israel Museum. It was designed by Israeli architect Frederick Kiesler and was opened in 1965. The Shrine of the Book is home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts that were discovered in the Qumran Caves in the 1940s.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The scrolls date back to the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE, and they provide a unique glimpse into the religious and cultural life of ancient Judaism.
The Shrine of the Book is a beautiful and inspiring building. The building is shaped like a dome, and it is made of white concrete. The interior of the building is designed to evoke the feeling of a cave, and it is home to a number of exhibits on the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient Jewish manuscripts.
The Archaeology Wing
The Archaeology Wing of the Israel Museum houses one of the most important collections of archaeological artifacts in Israel. The wing’s collection includes artifacts from all over the Land of Israel, dating back to the Stone Age.
The Archaeology Wing is divided into a number of different galleries, each of which focuses on a different period of history. The galleries include the Prehistoric Gallery, the Bronze Age Gallery, the Iron Age Gallery, the Persian and Hellenistic Gallery, the Roman Gallery, the Byzantine Gallery, and the Islamic Gallery.
The Archaeology Wing is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Land of Israel. The wing’s collection includes some of the most important archaeological discoveries ever made in the region, including the Tel Dan Stele, the Lachish Letters, and the Bar Kochba Letters.
The Art Wing
The Art Wing of the Israel Museum houses a collection of over 20,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The wing’s collection includes works by both Israeli and international artists.
The Art Wing is divided into a number of different galleries, each of which focuses on a different type of art. The galleries include the European Art Gallery, the American Art Gallery, the Israeli Art Gallery, and the Photography Gallery.
The Art Wing is a must-see for anyone interested in art. The wing’s collection includes very important works of art that were ever created, including paintings by Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh.
The Judaica Wing
The Judaica Wing of the Israel Museum houses a collection of over 500,000 objects related to Jewish culture and history. The wing’s collection includes artifacts from all over the world, dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
The Judaica Wing is divided into a number of different galleries, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Jewish culture and history. The galleries include the Jewish Ritual Objects Gallery, the Synagogue Art Gallery, and the Jewish Life Cycle Gallery.
The Judaica Wing is a must-see for anyone interested in Jewish culture and history. The wing’s collection includes some of the most important Jewish artifacts ever created, including the Aleppo Codex and the Sarajevo Haggadah.
The Education Center
The Education Center at the Museum is a great way to learn about the museum’s collection and about the history and culture of Israel. The center’s programs are designed to be informative and engaging, and they are suitable for visitors of all ages.
Some of the most popular programs offered by the Education Center include:
Lectures: The Education Center offers a variety of lectures on topics related to the museum’s collection and to the history and culture of Israel. Lectures are given by experts in their fields, and they are open to the public.
Concerts: The Education Center offers a variety of concerts featuring Israeli and international musicians. Concerts are held in the museum’s auditorium, and they are open to the public.
Workshops: The Education Center offers a variety of workshops on topics related to the museum’s collection and to the history and culture of Israel. Workshops are taught by experienced instructors, and they are open to the public.
The Education Center also offers a variety of resources for Israeli teachers, including lesson plans and teaching materials. These resources are designed to help teachers teach their students about the history and culture of Israel.
Conclusion
The Israel Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Land of Israel. The museum’s collection includes some of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, as well as some of the most important works of art ever created.
If you are planning to visit Israel, be sure to add the Israel Museum to your list. You won’t be disappointed.
- Opening hours:
- Sunday: 10am – 5pm
- Monday: 10am – 5pm
- Tuesday: 4pm – 9pm
- Wednesday: 10am – 5pm
- Thursday: 10am – 5pm
- Friday: 10am – 2pm
- Saturday: 10am – 5pm
- How to get there:
- Israel Museum, Jerusalem
- Rupin Boulevard 11
- Kariya, Jerusalem, zip code 9139102
- Phone: 02-6708811 | info@imj.org.il