For such a tiny country, Israel has a lot of museums (the highest per capita in the world). Most of the major museums are concentrated in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, but if you have the time, head off the “beaten path” and visit some of the other rich museums Israel offers.
ANU – Museum of the Jewish People – Tel Aviv
After ten years of planning and construction, the largest Jewish museum in the world has opened its doors.Visitors are invited to embark on a fascinating journey that shows the history of the Jewish people through the generations to the present day.
The museum represents all parts of the Jewish people and shows the creative work and cultural richness of a variety of communities in different periods of history.
Call: +972 37457808/ in Israel: 037457808 / E-mail: info@anumuseum.org.il
Israel Museum – Jerusalem
Plan your visit to the Israel Museum carefully! This place is big – really big – and there’s too much to see in one visit. Don’t miss the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls or the Second Temple Model, which recreates Jerusalem in 66 CE.
Take a free guided tour of the various galleries and collections, including archaeology, modern art and Jewish art and life. Repeat visits to the museum are half price, so keep hold of your ticket stub if you plan to return within three months.
Call: +972 2 670 881 / in Israel: 02 670 881 / E-mailinfo@imj.org.il
Madatech, Israel’s National Museum of Science, Technology and Space – Haifa
Housed in the original Technion (Israel’s Institute of Technology) building, MadaTech oozes science.
The large museum will appeal to all ages, with plenty of interactive activities to keep budding scientists occupied all day. Once the littles have enough indoors, take them to the Noble Energy Science Park, which combines learning and fun they can clamber over.
Call: + 972 4-861 4444 / in Israel: 04 861 4444 / E-mail: info@madatech.org.il
The Israel Children’s Museum – Holon
Make sure you book in advance for a visit to the interactive Israel Children’s Museum, which features a range of different activities and “trails” for kids aged 2.5 and up (English tours available).
The Dialogue in the Dark exhibit, led by blind or vision-impaired individuals and taking place in the dark, is a must for anyone age nine and above.
Call: +972 3 650 3005/6 / in Israel: 03 650 3005/6
Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum – Jerusalem
You can’t come to Israel without visiting YadVashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. As well as the Holocaust History Museum, take time to see some of the 45-acre’ site’s memorials the Valley of the Communities and the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations.
Take a guided tour to get the most out of the museum. The main museum allows entrance to children aged 10 and up, but kids can visit the rest of the grounds at your discretion.
Call: +925 2 644 3802 / in Israel: 02 644 3802 / E-mail: general.information@yadvashem.org.il
Words: Danielle Max
