Tower of David Jerusalem Museum
Welcome to the Tower of David, the new gateway of Jerusalem. Welcome to Jerusalem’s citadel, a meeting point of ancient and modern, east and west, history and innovation, experience and creation.
Located at the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City, the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum resides within the ancient citadel, once the fortress defending the city. Today, it stands as one of Israel’s prominent cultural institution and Jerusalem’s official museum, intertwining the historical narrative of Jerusalem with its significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The Tower of David archaeological excavations reveal the city’s evolution across 3,000 years. For thousands of years, the city’s rulers resided here. Within these walls, Hezekiah’s soldiers built a wall, the Hasmoneans launched ballistas, Herod erected a magnificent palace, zealots fought during the revolt, a crusader dug a tunnel, the Mamluks built a minaret, and Allenby stood on the citadel’s steps. In every era, the importance and beauty of this place was recognized. As Ronald Storrs, the first British Governor of Jerusalem, put it, “This is the most beautiful spot in the city!”
The Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, opened in 1989 with the support of the city’s mayor, Teddy Kollek, as a historical museum for the study of Jerusalem’s origins. Since then, hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world have come to the museum each year and have participated in educational programs, guided tours, workshops, lectures, immersive learning experiences, cultural events for diverse audiences The museum showcases temporary exhibitions featuring Jerusalem’s contemporary expressions in art, design, architecture and more. The archaeological garden featuring findings from 2800 years alongside olive trees and spice gardens, and a stunning viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the city from the west and east, spanning 360 degrees. Visitors walk through the impressive citadel, where the stones tell the story of one beautiful and intricate city, where Jerusalem as we know it today emerged. . For over a decade, as daylight fades, the citadel walls transform into a canvas for mesmerizing sound and light displays, projecting the history of Jerusalem and the tale of King David in huge breathtaking images.
In 2020, after 31 years of continuous operation, we embarked on an extensive renewal project, including the preservation of the ancient citadel, expansion of the activity area, restoration of the minaret, revitalization of the archaeological garden, the establishment of a shop and café next to the new multi-level sunken entrance pavilion, infrastructure upgrades, the unveiling of additional archaeological excavations, improving accessibility within the citadel, and the introduction of a new permanent exhibition in 10 galleries that provide a unique experience by combining authentic artifacts and technology, creativity and innovation.
The $50 million renewal and conservation of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum was led by Dame Vivien Duffield through the Clore Israel Foundation together with the support of the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, the Ministry of Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, the Patrick and Lina Drahi Foundation, Keren Hayesod, The Jerusalem Foundation, the American Friends of Museums in Israel and the P Austin Family Foundation.
With all these enhancements, the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, has become a leading contemporary museum that showcases the historical and cultural richness of the city.
The Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, is open seven days a week, morning and evening, 364 days a year. The museum, an independent nonprofit, strives to honor its commitment to preserving Jerusalem’s rich heritage.
Our Mission
The Tower of David Museum is located within the iconic citadel of Jerusalem and presents the city’s full story, emphasizing the importance of Jerusalem to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It portrays the city’s relevance and its re-establishment as the capital of modern Israel. The Tower of David Museum draws from the city’s multifaceted history and the inspiring events that took place here. It offers core and contemporary exhibitions that rely on current academic research; modern and creative cultural events; and educational tours to discover the sites, people and treasures of Jerusalem. Jerusalem’s ancient fortifications are displayed in the courtyard and archaeological gardens of the citadel and comply with meticulous conservation practices.