Despite its small size, Israel is undoubtedly one of the most culturally rich countries in the world. As the Holy Land that has nurtured many different religions as well as a connecting bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Israel is unlike any other place in the world.
The unique people and historic events of Israel have been well captured in the country’s many famous museums. By visiting these museums, it will offer you a glimpse into Israel’s awesome history and culture.
You can find museums related to pretty much any interest, from science, to art, social issues, history, religion, archaeology, and anthropology. The majority of the museums are open every weekday and with free admission. Check out the list below for the museums that strike your fancy:
-The Israel Museum of Jerusalem
This impressively extensive museum is currently undergoing renovations that are scheduled to be completed in July of 2010. Even if you plan to visit before this time, though, you will find that only the permanent galleries are temporarily closed. You can still take a guided tour and visit some of the museum’s best-known attractions, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare, ancient artifacts.
Once renovations are completed you’ll be able to visit the Biblical Archaeology Wing, the Judaica and Jewish Ethnography Wing, and the Art Wing, amongst many others. For more information, please click here: http://www.english.imjnet.org.il/htmls/home.aspx
-The Bible Lands Museum of Jerusalem
This is the only museum in the entire world that is dedicated to the history of the Bible and the Ancient Near East. The Permanent Exhibition spans from earliest civilization to the Early Christian era in the Lands of the Bible.
Founded by Dr. Elie Borowski, the museum first opened its doors to the public in 1992. This is a wonderful museum to visit with your children as there are activities designed just for kids. For more information, please visit the museum’s website: http://www.blmj.org/en/index.php#
-The Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center
The Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center is both a research center and museum. It contains an impressive collection of ethnographic material, Judaica, archival documents, books and manuscripts. The museum is located in Or-Yehuda and is open Sunday through Thursday. To learn more, please click on the website: http://www.babylonjewry.org.il/new/english/index.html
-The Hecht Museum at the University of Haifa
The Hecht Museum was founded in 1984 by Dr. Reuben Hecht and houses an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts. The displays are presented both didactically and chronologically, and the collection highlights the Israelite period.
You’ll see artifacts from the Biblical Period as well as an Art Wing with an emphasis on Impressionism and the work of Jewish artists. To see more about the Hecht Museum, please visit the website: http://mushecht.haifa.ac.il/Default_eng.aspx
-Israeli National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum was based on the private collection of its founder, Aryeh Ben-Eli. It is located in Haifa and opened its doors in 1953.
The museum contains a chronologically arranged collection of 7,000 items covering maritime mythology, ancient anchors, Greco-Roman coins, fish and dolphins, stamps and maritime themes, modern seafaring, naval battles and naval architecture, and the ethnology of seafaring societies.
There is particular emphasis on the topic of Jewish seafaring. For more information, please click here: http://www.tour-haifa.co.il/eng/modules/article/view.article.php/c21/114
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