Israel Museum
Jerusalem · Israel · Founded 1965
Good for: History Enthusiasts · Art Lovers
500,000+
Objects in Collection
1965
Year Founded
3–4 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Israel Museum in Jerusalem, Israel — the Israel Museum in Jerusalem opened in 1965 and is Israel's national museum, the largest cultural institution in the country. Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: ILS 54 standard adult admission (approx. €14). World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (3–4 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Israel Museum
The Israel Museum in Jerusalem opened in 1965 on Givat Ram and is Israel's national museum — the largest cultural institution in the country. The sprawling campus holds encyclopedic collections of archaeology, fine arts, Jewish art and life, and the world-famous Shrine of the Book.
The Shrine of the Book — a distinctive white dome designed by Armand Bartos and Frederick Kiesler — houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest surviving biblical manuscripts, discovered in caves near Qumran between 1947 and 1956. The Great Isaiah Scroll, displayed in its entirety, is the centrepiece.
The outdoor Billy Rose Art Garden, designed by Isamu Noguchi, displays monumental modern sculpture against the Jerusalem hillside, while the Archaeology Wing traces 10,000 years of human history in the Holy Land.
3–4 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Israel Museum without museum fatigue. · 3–4 hours
- 1
Great Isaiah Scroll
📍 Shrine of the Book
The oldest complete manuscript of any book of the Bible — all 66 chapters of Isaiah on display in a climate-controlled cylindrical case that rotates to show different sections.
- 2
Model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period
📍 Outdoor, near Shrine of the Book
A 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem at the time of Herod the Great and the Second Temple — essential context for understanding the Old City visible in the distance.
- 3
Chagall Stained-Glass Windows
📍 Abell Synagogue, Art Wing
Twelve luminous stained-glass windows depicting the twelve tribes of Israel — among Chagall's final and most spiritual works, commissioned for the museum.
- 4
Venus of Berekhat Ram
📍 Archaeology Wing
A basalt pebble shaped to resemble a female figure — one of the oldest known representational objects in the world, found in the Golan Heights.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Israel Museum — and why they matter.
Great Isaiah Scroll
Qumran scribes · c. 125 BCE
📍 Shrine of the Book
The oldest complete manuscript of any book of the Bible — all 66 chapters of Isaiah on display in a climate-controlled cylindrical case that rotates to show different sections.
Model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period
Avi-Yonah · 1966
📍 Outdoor, near Shrine of the Book
A 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem at the time of Herod the Great and the Second Temple — essential context for understanding the Old City visible in the distance.
Chagall Stained-Glass Windows
Marc Chagall · 1962
📍 Abell Synagogue, Art Wing
Twelve luminous stained-glass windows depicting the twelve tribes of Israel — among Chagall's final and most spiritual works, commissioned for the museum.
Venus of Berekhat Ram
Prehistoric · c. 230,000 BCE
📍 Archaeology Wing
A basalt pebble shaped to resemble a female figure — one of the oldest known representational objects in the world, found in the Golan Heights.
Collections & highlights
- • Shrine of the Book — Dead Sea Scrolls
- • Second Temple Jerusalem model
- • Chagall stained-glass windows
- • Archaeology Wing — 10,000 years of Holy Land history
- • Billy Rose Art Garden sculpture
Frequently asked questions
What are the Dead Sea Scrolls?
The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of Jewish texts discovered between 1947 and 1956 in caves near the Dead Sea. Dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE, they include the oldest surviving manuscripts of every book of the Hebrew Bible (except Esther), and are among the most important archaeological finds in history.
How much time does the Israel Museum take?
The campus is very large — a thorough visit takes a full day. If time is limited, prioritise the Shrine of the Book and the Archaeology Wing (2–3 hours). The art wing and Billy Rose Art Garden can be added for a full-day visit.
How long should I spend at Israel Museum?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Israel Museum best known for?
The Israel Museum in Jerusalem opened in 1965 and is Israel's national museum, the largest cultural institution in the country. The sprawling campus on Givat Ram holds encyclopedic collections of archaeology, the fine arts, Jewish art and life, and the world-famous Shrine of the Book. Key highlights include Shrine of the Book — Dead Sea Scrolls, Second Temple Jerusalem model, Chagall stained-glass windows.
How do I get tickets for Israel Museum?
ILS 54 standard adult admission (approx. €14) Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.imj.org.il/en
How much time do I need for the Dead Sea Scrolls?
The Shrine of the Book takes 30–45 minutes including the Aleppo Codex display and the permanent scroll exhibition. It is the most popular section — go here first if arriving late in the day.
Is the Israel Museum near the Old City?
It is in the Givat Ram district, about 10 minutes by taxi from the Old City. It is not walkable from the Western Wall or Jaffa Gate, but is near the Knesset and Hebrew University campus.
What is the Billy Rose Art Garden?
An outdoor sculpture garden designed by Isamu Noguchi on the museum's western slope. It displays works by Moore, Picasso, Lipchitz, and other modern masters against panoramic views of Jerusalem. Included with admission.
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