Museums in Jerusalem

11 museums, from the national collection at the Israel Museum to a single room of Armenian ceramics. Hours and prices are set by each museum and change — where we list them, they carry the date we last checked.

open ShabbatThe L.A. Mayer Museum of Islamic ArtLocated near the neighborhoods of Talbiya, Kiryat Shmuel, and Old Katamon, this museum houses a remarkable collection of Islamic art spanning from Spain to India, including ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and Muslim artwork across the centuries. It's particularly renowned for its impressive collection of antique clocks, considered one of the three most important collections of its kind in the world, featuring works by the renowned clockmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet. Founded in 1974 by Vera Bryce Solomons in memory of Professor Leon Arie Mayer.מבוגר: 44 ש"ח; אזרח ותיק: 22 ש"ח; ילד: 25 ש"ח; מחזיק כרטיס "ירושלמי" או בעל מוגבלות: 35 ש"ח free3 discountsYad VashemIsrael's national Holocaust memorial authority, featuring a historical museum, memorial monuments (including the Hall of Remembrance and Children's Memorial), the Righteous Among the Nations Garden, and a research and documentation center. Admission is free but advance booking is recommended.חינם (מומלץ תיאום מראש)open Shabbat6 discountsTower of DavidJerusalem's museum housed in the Old City Citadel, telling the city's history through exhibitions and multimedia presentations.מבוגר 55 ₪ · ילד (5-18) 35 ₪ · סטודנט 44 ₪ · אזרח ותיק 28 ₪open Shabbat6 discountsBible Lands MuseumAn archaeological museum showcasing the cultures of the ancient Near East and biblical world — Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Land of Israel — through ancient artifacts. Located at the Museum Quarter.40 ₪ (הנחות לסטודנטים, חיילים, נכים, עולים חדשים ואזרחים ותיקים; ילדים חינם בימי ד׳ אחה״צ ובשבתות)Knesset MuseumThe Knesset Museum occupies Frumin House, home of Israel's parliament from 1950 to 1966 — the chamber where presidents and prime ministers were sworn in and the decisions that shaped the young state were taken. The visit is a sound-and-light journey through the building's own story.0-10 ₪open Shabbat6 discountsBloomfield Science MuseumAn interactive science museum featuring hundreds of hands-on exhibits for all ages, covering physics, light, space, and technology. A popular destination for families with children in Jerusalem.65 ₪ (הנחות לתושבי ירושלים, אזרחים ותיקים, סטודנטים, חיילים ומשפחות; מתחת לגיל 5 חינם)open Shabbat6 discountsIsrael MuseumIsrael's leading museum, featuring comprehensive collections of art, archaeology, and Judaica, including the famous Shrine of the Book.The Friends of Zion MuseumAn interactive multimedia museum in Nachalat Shiva about non-Jews who acted on behalf of the Jewish people and the founding of the state. The stone building also houses the Ambassador Institute, a communication centre and the Neil Folberg photography gallery.44 ₪ · 33 ₪ לילד, סטודנט ותושב ירושלים · 22 ₪ לגמלאי, חייל ובעל מוגבלות Hebrew Music MuseumAt 10 Yoel Moshe Salomon Street in Nachalat Shiva, a museum of the instruments of Jewish communities around the world, presented through hands-on technology — you can hear and play as well as look. One of the most accessible museums here for a visitor without Hebrew.Museum of Tolerance JerusalemA cultural and educational institution built to advance mutual understanding and respect between people, faiths and cultures. It sits in the centre of town beside the Jerusalem Theatre and combines exhibitions with a programme of performances and public events.open ShabbatMardigian Museum of Armenian Art and CultureA museum on the history, art and culture of Jerusalem's Armenian community, located within the Armenian Patriarchate compound in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City. Reopened in November 2022 after years of closure for renovation, it displays historic manuscripts, jewelry, ceramics and coins.

Common questions

Which museums in Jerusalem are open on Shabbat?

A minority, and it is worth checking each week. The Tower of David and several privately run museums open on Saturday; most nationally funded ones close from Friday afternoon. Yad Vashem is closed on Shabbat. Each museum below is marked where we hold the information.

How much does the Israel Museum cost?

Adult entry runs to a few tens of shekels, with reductions for students, seniors, children and people with disabilities. Prices change; the museum's own page is the final word and each listing here carries the date it was last checked.

Is Yad Vashem free?

Yes. Entry to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, is free. Allow at least three hours, and note that the Holocaust History Museum is not recommended for children under ten.

Which museum is best with children?

The Bloomfield Science Museum is built for them, and the Tower of David's night show and ramparts hold most ages. The Israel Museum has a dedicated youth wing. The Hebrew Music Museum works well for a visitor without Hebrew, because most of it is hands-on.

Discounts you can claim · All attractions · Open on Shabbat