Israel Museum

מוזיאון ישראל

One of the world's largest and most important art and archaeology museums housing the Dead Sea Scrolls, biblical artifacts, and extensive Israeli and international art collections. The museum provides comprehensive insight into Israeli history, culture, and ancient Near Eastern civilizations.

Things to do

• View the Dead Sea Scrolls — Examine the ancient biblical manuscripts housed in the specially designed Shrine of the Book, dating back nearly 2,000 years.
• Explore the Archaeology Wing — Walk through displays of artifacts from the Canaanite, Philistine, and Judean periods, including pottery, inscriptions, and religious objects.
• Tour the Israeli Art Collection — Discover works by prominent Israeli artists including Reuven Rubin, Anna Ticho, and contemporary creators reflecting the nation's cultural identity.
• Visit the Billy Rose Art Garden — Stroll through this outdoor sculpture garden featuring works by Rodin, Henry Moore, and Michelangelo set among Mediterranean landscaping.
• Study Ancient Near Eastern Collections — Examine Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Persian artifacts that contextualizethe region's interconnected civilizations.
• Attend a Curatorial Talk or Workshop — Participate in guided discussions about specific collections or artifact conservation offered regularly by museum scholars.

Food to try

• Hummus at the Museum Café — Enjoy creamy chickpea hummus served with warm pita bread and olive oil, prepared fresh using traditional Levantine methods.
• Shakshuka — Taste eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce with peppers and onions, a beloved Middle Eastern breakfast dish served at the museum restaurant.
• Mediterranean Salad with Za'atar — Sample fresh Israeli salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs topped with za'atar spice blend and quality olive oil.
• Israeli Coffee — Drink strong, finely ground coffee prepared in the traditional Turkish style, served in small cups and often accompanied by a glass of water.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Respectfully for Sacred Spaces — When viewing religious artifacts and scrolls, modest dress is appreciated; women may wish to cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the sanctity of biblical items.
• Plan for Sabbath Closures — The museum is closed on Saturdays for Shabbat, so schedule visits for Sunday through Friday to ensure access.
• Allow Ample Time for Deep Viewing — The Dead Sea Scrolls and archaeology exhibits warrant several hours of careful study; rushing through diminishes the historical and spiritual significance.
• Engage with Multilingual Resources — The museum provides Hebrew, English, and Arabic descriptions; take advantage of audio guides available in multiple languages for deeper context.