# Israel Museum — Jerusalem, Israel

> 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.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: 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)
- Address: Derech Ruppin 11, Jerusalem 9107101, Israel
- Time needed: 3–4 hours
- Official website: https://www.imj.org.il/en
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- Great Isaiah Scroll — Qumran scribes · c. 125 BCE
- Model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period — Avi-Yonah · 1966
- Chagall Stained-Glass Windows — Marc Chagall · 1962
- Venus of Berekhat Ram — Prehistoric · c. 230,000 BCE

## FAQ
**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.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/israel-museum-jerusalem/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.