About Israel Museum
Israel's national museum holds nearly 500,000 objects spanning archaeology, fine arts and Jewish ethnography, with the Dead Sea Scrolls displayed in the iconic Shrine of the Book.
Founded in 1965, Israel Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 61 years. Today it draws approximately 900,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited archaeology & antiquity museums in the world. Located in Jerusalem, Israel, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 11,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Israel Museum ranks #32
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. Ranking at #32, Israel Museum is one of the fifty most acclaimed museums on our composite index — a destination that serious museum-goers and casual visitors alike should have on their list. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3 hours, planning your route through Israel Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Dead Sea Scrolls (Shrine of the Book)
- ◆Second Temple Model
- ◆Aleppo Codex
- ◆Billy Rose Art Garden (Noguchi)
- ◆Israeli art wing
Recognition & awards
Israel Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 10:00–17:00, Tue 16:00–21:00, Fri & Sat 10:00–17:00.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Israel Museum is located in Jerusalem, Israel at coordinates 31.7724°N, 35.2042°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Israel Museum
Israel Museum was established in 1965, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Jerusalem. With 900,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Israel's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important archaeology & antiquity museums in the Middle East region.
Other top archaeology & antiquity museums
If you enjoy archaeology & antiquity museums like Israel Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #10Acropolis MuseumAthens, Greece
- #23Egyptian MuseumCairo, Egypt
- #24Grand Egyptian MuseumGiza, Egypt
- #31Pergamon MuseumBerlin, Germany
- #52Museo Nacional de AntropologíaMexico City, Mexico
More museums in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is home to 2 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Israel Museum with these nearby institutions:
- #33Yad Vashem🕯️ Memorial & Remembrance
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Israel Museum?
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 10:00–17:00, Tue 16:00–21:00, Fri & Sat 10:00–17:00. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Israel Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Israel Museum located?
Israel Museum is located in Jerusalem, Israel. The exact coordinates are 31.7724°, 35.2042°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Israel Museum known for?
Dead Sea Scrolls and the Shrine of the Book. Key highlights include Dead Sea Scrolls (Shrine of the Book), Second Temple Model, Aleppo Codex. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 11,000 reviews.
How many people visit Israel Museum each year?
Israel Museum receives approximately 900,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Israel.
When was Israel Museum founded?
Israel Museum was founded in 1965, making it 61 years old. It is categorised as a archaeology & antiquity museum in our directory.
