Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem
Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem
Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem
4.5
Architectural BuildingsObservation Decks & TowersHistory Museums
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Located in the restored ancient Citadel of Jerusalem at the entrance to the Old City, the Tower of David Museum tells the story of the city through history. The exhibition takes the visitor on a journey through 3000 years of history, using models, displays and multi media so that the timeline of the city comes to life. The museum stages temporary exhibitions which integrate the unique location and majesty of the ancient Citadel and its history with a contemporary presentation of artistic and historical issues. It hosts lectures and special musical, educational and cultural events. The 2 night shows, both the Night Spectacular and KING DAVID are world renowned and present Jerusalem's special character and beauty screened in lights, images and music on the ancient walls in the Citadel courtyard. Admission to the unique 360° view point over the old and new city of Jerusalem is 15 NIS only!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Paul Windham2 contributionsThis pilgrimage is unforgettableI went with a Catholic tour group. Our guide was a Israeli Christian. Without him we would have understood very little of what we were seeing. Highlights included the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Masada, and the recently excavated ruins at Magdala, which has a beautiful church devoted to the women of the Bible overlooking the Sea of Gallilee.Visited February 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 18 April 2023
- Emily BWashington DC, District of Columbia21 contributionsExcellent overview of the history of JerusalemThis museum was excellent and very conveniently located just inside Jaffa gate. The displays were well-organized and presented in an intuitive manner. Audio tours were provided in multiple languages. The experience provides visitors with a relatively brief description of the history of Jerusalem and background for the different groups who currently inhabit it. Our visit was especially helpful for my pre-teen and teenage children so they could understand the history of the sites as we walked around Jerusalem. Would recommend visiting this museum early in your visit to Jerusalem. It is very well done and the building itself is lovely.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 August 2023
- realtangobabe73 contributionsLight and sound show was amazingWe went there twice first in the evening for the light and sound show. This was amazing so worthwhile. It was a really good introduction to the history of the city as well as being stunningly beautiful. We went back the next day in the daytime to explore the tower itself which I would also recommend doing.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 18 September 2023
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia14,153 contributionsAncient tower is a Jerusalem landmarkThe Tower of David is an ancient site, dating back to the First Temple. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The Tower of David adjoins the Jaffa Gate, in the Old City. The Museum has many interesting archeological relics, dating from over 2,500 years ago. The Tower of David is often used for community events. The Tower of David is an interesting feature of Jerusalem's Old City.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 November 2023
- InamaromHaifa, Israel62 contributionsInteresting and beautiful site, but...We participated in a guided tour (free of charge) of the site which was interesting. Our guide was pleasant and patient, very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions to the best of his ability. The view from the wall surrounding the citadel, both towards the old city and the Mount of Olives and towards the western city, is spectacular. But, the floor in the women's restroom was filthy and remained so even after two hours, even though I called the attention of the receptionist at the entrance to the site and noticed that she called a cleaning worker. It is not enough to call, you also need to make sure that the task is carried out.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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158
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32
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12
Inamarom
Haifa, Israel62 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We participated in a guided tour (free of charge) of the site which was interesting. Our guide was pleasant and patient, very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions to the best of his ability. The view from the wall surrounding the citadel, both towards the old city and the Mount of Olives and towards the western city, is spectacular. But, the floor in the women's restroom was filthy and remained so even after two hours, even though I called the attention of the receptionist at the entrance to the site and noticed that she called a cleaning worker. It is not enough to call, you also need to make sure that the task is carried out.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
The Tower of David is an ancient site, dating back to the First Temple. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The Tower of David adjoins the Jaffa Gate, in the Old City. The Museum has many interesting archeological relics, dating from over 2,500 years ago. The Tower of David is often used for community events. The Tower of David is an interesting feature of Jerusalem's Old City.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
realtangobabe
NEW ZEALAND73 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We went there twice first in the evening for the light and sound show. This was amazing so worthwhile. It was a really good introduction to the history of the city as well as being stunningly beautiful. We went back the next day in the daytime to explore the tower itself which I would also recommend doing.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yigal L
Israel151 contributions
Aug 2023
The so-called "Tower of David" is actually the citadel of the Old City of Jerusalem, built by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century, over the ruins of previous citadels, going back to the first century BCE (King Herod the Great), which were built over fortifications going back to the late First Temple Period (8-6 centuries BCE). The iconic round tower is actually the minaret of the Turkish mosque. The citadel was first used as a museum in the 1920's under British rule, and the Israeli museum, dedicated to the history of Jerusalem, opened in the 1980's. Now, after several years of renovations, the museum reopened, and I was curious to see the new exhibit.
I must say that I was a bit disappointed. The Site itself is an architectural and archaeological treasure, and the internal landscaping is nice, but the exhibit itself is not as good as I remembered the previous one to be. It’s all interactive, with lots of multi-screen films, an audio guide (which come free with admission!) and so on, but it’s less instructive that it could be. Instead of taking the visitor on an orderly tour of Jerusalem’s history, as you would expect, the museum accentuates the centrality of Jerusalem to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in a way that only scratches the surface of each. The rest of the exhibits are made to emphasize multiculturality, and major periods and topics are simply skipped over. An uneducated visitor might be impressed, but would not come out with a real understanding of the history of the city.
On the plus side, since I did visit at the height of summer vacation, the museum did offer various attractions for children, including a juggler and opportunities to dress up in various costumes.
I must say that I was a bit disappointed. The Site itself is an architectural and archaeological treasure, and the internal landscaping is nice, but the exhibit itself is not as good as I remembered the previous one to be. It’s all interactive, with lots of multi-screen films, an audio guide (which come free with admission!) and so on, but it’s less instructive that it could be. Instead of taking the visitor on an orderly tour of Jerusalem’s history, as you would expect, the museum accentuates the centrality of Jerusalem to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in a way that only scratches the surface of each. The rest of the exhibits are made to emphasize multiculturality, and major periods and topics are simply skipped over. An uneducated visitor might be impressed, but would not come out with a real understanding of the history of the city.
On the plus side, since I did visit at the height of summer vacation, the museum did offer various attractions for children, including a juggler and opportunities to dress up in various costumes.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily B
Washington DC, DC21 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This museum was excellent and very conveniently located just inside Jaffa gate. The displays were well-organized and presented in an intuitive manner. Audio tours were provided in multiple languages.
The experience provides visitors with a relatively brief description of the history of Jerusalem and background for the different groups who currently inhabit it. Our visit was especially helpful for my pre-teen and teenage children so they could understand the history of the sites as we walked around Jerusalem.
Would recommend visiting this museum early in your visit to Jerusalem. It is very well done and the building itself is lovely.
The experience provides visitors with a relatively brief description of the history of Jerusalem and background for the different groups who currently inhabit it. Our visit was especially helpful for my pre-teen and teenage children so they could understand the history of the sites as we walked around Jerusalem.
Would recommend visiting this museum early in your visit to Jerusalem. It is very well done and the building itself is lovely.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olga P
Moscow, Russia390 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We were on night show about the history of Israel. It was terrifying. The show lasts 45 minutes. There were not free spaces. My recomendations!
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich-Stamford
Stamford, CT264 contributions
May 2023
Newly reopened, the museum has very good exhibits and videos of the history of Jerusalem. The building is worth the cost of admission.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Windham
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
I went with a Catholic tour group. Our guide was a Israeli Christian. Without him we would have understood very little of what we were seeing. Highlights included the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Masada, and the recently excavated ruins at Magdala, which has a beautiful church devoted to the women of the Bible overlooking the Sea of Gallilee.
Written 18 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noraatc
Sudbury, MA35,558 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We were very lucky to book last minute tickets to the newly renovated Tower of David (the Citadel), which has been recently opened for visits. We booked a combination ticket for the “Jerusalem from the Bird’s Eye” tour and the Ramparts Walk. The tickets don’t have specific time slots, so it is possible to visit any time during the day. We started with the tour itself, which was a big prize for us: we had a chance to see completely unobstructed view of Jerusalem from the Tower (I took a great video of the panorama). The audio guide was very useful: it covered the story of the city and pointed out all famous sites - a good recap of everything we have seen so far. We also explored the underground of the Citadel: the water cistern and the Kishle, the latter served as a prison for political activists (members of Irgun and others) fighting against the rule of the British Mandate.
And what about completely unexpected bonus? Dale Chihuly’s glass creations were on display in the Citadel! His intricate yellow chandelier found its home at the entrance and his green glass spikes decorate the lower level.
From the Citadel we took the Ramparts Walk (the Southern Route) and enjoyed wonderful views of Jerusalem.
And what about completely unexpected bonus? Dale Chihuly’s glass creations were on display in the Citadel! His intricate yellow chandelier found its home at the entrance and his green glass spikes decorate the lower level.
From the Citadel we took the Ramparts Walk (the Southern Route) and enjoyed wonderful views of Jerusalem.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarcusHurley
Calne, UK9,564 contributions
Dec 2022
Last stop on our Israeli road trip was Jerusalem. We didn't walk a full circuit of the walls although we did a section of it. We also visited the Tower of David Museum and Citadel, located in the Phasael Tower, one of the original towers built by Herod the Great to defend Jerusalem.
The tower was incorporated into the citadel that held out against the Crusaders for 5 weeks before the capture of Jerusalem in 1099. It was then attacked, destroyed and rebuilt several times during the Crusades and the final structure now is largely a result of Mamluk and Ottoman rebuilding.
It was great to wander around and look at the various layers and time periods incorporated in the buildings and ongoing excavations. The best part was the models of the city at various periods so you cold see both the size and layout but also the major buildings.
The tower was incorporated into the citadel that held out against the Crusaders for 5 weeks before the capture of Jerusalem in 1099. It was then attacked, destroyed and rebuilt several times during the Crusades and the final structure now is largely a result of Mamluk and Ottoman rebuilding.
It was great to wander around and look at the various layers and time periods incorporated in the buildings and ongoing excavations. The best part was the models of the city at various periods so you cold see both the size and layout but also the major buildings.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cristian C
Abbadia San Salvatore, Italy114 contributions
I would like to book an entrance to the citadel and one to the light and sound show, but it doesn't give me the April schedule
Алиса
Balashikha, Russia
Световое шоу в какие дни, в какое время?
Tower of David Museum
Jerusalem District, Israel8 contributions
Times are subject to change according to the season. It is best to follow the accurate times and dates on our website. For the coming season we have showings on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please check out our website for exact times and changes. Thank you.
Tricia N
Jerusalem, Israel115 contributions
Are the night light shows available in November?
Tower of David Museum
Jerusalem District, Israel8 contributions
The shows are available all year round.
cleo13
Miami, FL89 contributions
What is the difference between the classic night spectacular and the new king david show? Is it recommended to see both together or pick one ? Also are VIP tix avail for both
Thank you for any info 😄
NevilleNewman
Dallas, TX19 contributions
The original show ("Night Spectacular") is more broadly about Jerusalem, whereas the new show ("King David") is about Elton John. :-) Seriously, these shows might be for you but I was so seriously underwhelmed by the NS show last year that this year I didn't even consider the KD show.
As for the basic facts...
both are 45 minutes long
both cost 65 NIS (or 140 NIS for VIP tix)
both are guaranteed to be cold if you dressed for the daytime
If you haven't found them yet, look up the official promo blurbs on each, from the Tower of David web site:
/en/the-night-spectacular/
/en/the-king-david-show/
In my own opinion, I'd say save the $20-$40 USD and meander across the street to the little museum at Christ Church behind he cafe. Let Moshe or Rodney tell you all about Jerusalem for (at least!) 45 minutes, and then either donate the ticket money there or buy lunch to eat in the cafe courtyard and enjoy a cool quiet hideaway from the crush of commercialism. Again, that's just what I would do.
I hope you have a great trip!
grace1908
Melbourne, FL215 contributions
Did you get advance tickets. Would you recommend getting advance tickets?
Patriklise
Chicago, IL1,501 contributions
You can get tickets on line
Depending when you go I would recommend you getting on line ticket
Ellie R
Asheville, NC
Is there a place to store backpacks at the museum?
Elw12
White Plains, NY57 contributions
It is rare that you can store things at any tourist attraction due to security concerns, so it is best to expect to carry everything wherever you go. As for here in particular, I do not remember there being an area to store personal items.
Olá, meu sonho conhecer israel , não faço ideia do gastos, gostaria de saber quantos vou gastar com viagem saindo de goiânia.
Alfredo G
19 contributions
INA o acomodação mais acessível e o hostel e tem muitos e tel Aviv e Jerusalém
NYbeachmama5
New York City, NY77 contributions
Can we walk inside the citadel without going into the museum? Or do we need a combination ticket? I am asking because my kids won't have a long attention span for the exhibits. we are planning to buy tickets for the Light show. Thank you!
John S
Asheville, NC48 contributions
Yes you can. The museum is on the main level and you can let the kids explore around the citadel while an adult is visiting the museum.
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Claim your listingTOWER OF DAVID MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF JERUSALEM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem:
- Private Tour : Tower of David and Jerusalem Old City Quarters (From £427.79)
- 1 Day Jerusalem Tour (From £350.01)
- Full-Day Private and Guided Tour of the Jerusalem's Old City (From £676.69)
- Classic Jerusalem Old City Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App (From £23.33)
- Must See Israel Self-Guided Video Tour (From £3.89)
- Hotels near Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem:
- (0.02 mi) Petra Hotel & Hostel
- (0.04 mi) Christ Church Guest House
- (0.07 mi) Gloria Hotel
- (0.05 mi) New Imperial Hotel
- (0.11 mi) Lutheran Guest House
- Restaurants near Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem:
- (0.02 mi) Tannour Bakery & Cafe
- (0.02 mi) Coffee Relax
- (0.03 mi) Samara Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) Papa De Pizza
- (0.06 mi) Roots Restaurant