- daisy
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Editor Pick
A Great Way to Spend a Morning in Jerusalem!
- September 14, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
karly07 from Belfast, United Kingdom
One of the many educational and interesting places we visited in Israel this summer was the Israel Museum located in Jerusalem, not far from the parliament building. There are various buses that will stop at the museum, but it is a very popular spot for bus tours, so do be aware that if you are visiting independently, you would be advised to visit early.
The current prices are 36 NIS per adult (around £6) and 18 NIS for a child (around £3). Do note however that children are allowed free admission on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Family passes are also available. It is also worth checking before you go, the opening hours on that particular day as these vary greatly, and also to ensure that your visit does not clash with any of the special holiday dates. This can be checked by telephone or website.
After purchasing your tickets, and walking through the entrance pavilion, you will then be presented with the wonderful model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period. This vast stretching model was originally housed in the Jerusalem Holyland Hotel, and shows in great deatil the architecture and layout of the city before the Great Revolt in 66AD. The model also includes a replica of Herod's Temple. It is true to say, that you need to see this model to appreciate the work that has went into it, as well as the detail. Every 2 centimetres on the model, represents 1 metre of the old Jerusalem. You can walk the entire way around the model, and there is even a raised viewpoint, where you can overlookthe entire model.
To the left of the model of Jerusalem, you cannot miss the beautiful Shrine of the Book, which comprises of 2 outward parts. The white dome shaped building has been specially designed to resemble the shape of the lid of the jars in which the dead sea scrolls where found. Water flows down over this white dome and it is a wonderful architectural design. Opposite the white dome is a black wall, which symbolises the 'Sons of darkness' which the Essene community (the Jewish sect who lived in Qumran - where the scrolls where found) believed where their enemies. The whiteness of the dome in contrast reflects the 'Sons of Light' which is what the Essenes thought themselves to be.
One of the most special things about this museum, is that although the white dome looks beautiful on the outside, the actual museum housing information on the dead sea scrolls and Qumran, are in fact underneath the white dome and black wall, and therefore a welcoming air conditioned rooms, allowing yiou to escape the summer heat.
Before you enter the Shrine of the Book however, it is worth going into the Shrine of the Book Auditorium and catching the short films about the discovery of the dead sea scrolls and about the community which lived in Qumran. The ticket office will usually advise you of the times of these showing, which are fairly frequent. Take note however, that rather than there just being one film, there are actually two films, one after the other. We would not have found this out had we not lingered chatting and in fact most people had vacated the auditorium before seeing the second film. These films are conducted in english as well as hebrew, and again check the times for the film to be in your own language.
Inside the Shrine of the Book museum, you will then have the chance to learn more about Qumran, and the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and well as the ancient Jewish sect that lived at Qumran, and some of their beliefs and customs. The museum is stunningly laid out, and because of its easy lay out, it is difficult to miss out anything. Photograpy inside the museum is forbidden, and this is strictly enforced. As you make your way through the musuem, stopping at the various information points along the route, you will then come to a fabulous room, directly under the Shrine dome. This is a circular room, of two floors. The main floor houses both original and replica scrolls found at Qumran. In the centre of the room, shaped like a torah rod, is a circular glass case, home to a replica of the 'Great Isaiah Scroll'. Unfortunately the replica is not housed in the Israel Museum. On the lower floor of this circular building, you can see more displays on the Aleppo Codex etc.
There are other attractions and places to visit within the Israel museum walls, including the Ruth Youth Wing, and th Billy Rose Art Garden, however most people, like ourselves came specifically to see both the model of Jerusalem and the Shrine of the Book. The extremely hot weather also makes enjoying the garden difficult in the summer season. Those visiting at a cooler time of the year, may get to enjoy relaxing and exploring the gardens. There is also a nice cafe and gift shop near the entrance pavilion which are definitely worth stopping at!
We were extremely glad to have visited the Israel museum. The model of Jerusalem, helped us in our understanding of the history of the city, and the location of some majoy historical sites around the time of the second temple. The Shrine of the Book provided an immense amount of information about Qumran and the Essenes people who lived there as a community. If you are interested in Jewish history it really is a wonderful place to visit.
From journal An unforgettable independent trip to Israel and Jordan
Israel Museum
- October 16, 2004
- Rated 5 of 5 by
DZohar from Jerusalem, Israel
Covering a hilltop in West Jerusalem, the Israel Museum ranks among the best in the world. It contains the unique Dead Sea Scrolls and a first-rate collection on archaeology of the Holy Land, as well as a fascinating display of Jewish art.
From journal The centre of the world
Israel Museum
- July 24, 2001
- Rated 4 of 5 by
anbhc from New York, New York
I then walked to the Israel Museum. You could easily spend an entire day there looking at all the artifacts and reading about the history behind them.
The highlights were the Dead Sea Scrolls contained within the Shrine of the Book building, Judaica Collection and the partial synagogues that were reconstructed inside the building.
From journal Middle East trip
Editor Pick
Israel Museum
- June 6, 2000
- Rated 3 of 5 by
daisy from new york, New York
This museum has exhibits that range from pre-historic archeology to contemporary art. Here, you’ll also find the Dead Sea Scrolls and many other artifacts from ancient times. There’s also a sculpture garden, from which you
get a great view of the city. Regularly scheduled, free guided tours (in both Hebrew and English) leave from the Information Desk.
From journal Israel in Five Days