About The Museum

Renewed Tower of David Jerusalem Museum

The Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, located in the Tower of David Citadel, one of Israel’s most significant historical sites, tells the story of Jerusalem in an engaging, innovative and exciting way.

The new permanent exhibition, housed in the original restored guard rooms of the Citadel, offers visitors a journey to the center of the world in the city that is holy to 3 monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Ten galleries, combine innovative technology, interactive displays, archaeological finds, and ancient objects. The exhibit tells the exciting story of Jerusalem through history, from ancient to modern times. Additionally, temporary exhibits feature works by leading Israeli and international artists. A free audio guide, available in seven different languages enhances the experience.

Gallery 5: Jerusalem – Circle of the Year

The Tower of David Jerusalem Museum is committed to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all visitors can fully experience the site. With the museum renovation, all the exhibition galleries are accessible to people with limited mobility with 2 elevators, new ramps, and wide passageways. The permanent exhibition and the site are also accessible for populations with diverse disabilities through a visual guide in Israeli and International Sign Language, (the first in Israel), audio description for the blind and sight impaired, and an audio guide in simple language.

The expansive observation point atop Phasael Tower is accessible to the mobility disabled through 360° video photography that includes explanations of the sites in Hebrew, English, and Arabic.

The Night Experiences that are screened on the walls of the Citadel, are accessible through audio description in English for blind and sight impaired visitors.

Panoramic photos of the accessible Phasael Tower Observation Point

A ticket to the Museum includes entrance to the permanent exhibition and the temporary exhibits, ascent to the observation point atop Phasael Tower offering the highest and most beautiful panoramic view in the Old City, and the opportunity to stroll through the Citadel courtyards.

Almost every day there are guided tours of the Museum in Hebrew and English, that include the galleries as well as the Phasael Tower observation point inviting visitors to embark on a journey through 4000 years of history. The tours are included in the entrance price to the Museum and require advance registration.

Private tours for groups and individuals with our Tower of David guides are available by prior arrangement.

During your visit to the Tower of David you can also visit the Kishle site, an archaeological excavation inside a building previously used as a prison. The site contains rare finds, human stories and exciting testimonies – ranging from the days of the First Temple and the Hasmonean Period to the fighters in the Jewish underground during the British Mandate. This Jerusalem site is unique in that it spans the city’s historical continuum over a period of 3,000 years. During 2025, we will begin renovation of the site, and it will be closed temporarily to visitors.

The Kishle as a prison during the British Mandate

Our Night Experiences, the classic Night Spectacular and the King David production, are screened on the courtyard walls using advanced video, sound, and lighting technology, with original musical scores and vibrant visuals. They tell the story of Jerusalem, and are appropriate for everyone, of any age, nationality and religion – tourists and Israelis, families and children, speakers of all languages, and lovers of Jerusalem.

The Museum hosts cultural events throughout the year, including events for young adults and families, as well as tours throughout Jerusalem.

Tours at the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum

Tour “Sunset on the Roofs”. Photo: Shimon Perlstein

The new entrance pavilion houses the Museum ticket booths, a gallery for temporary exhibits, and HaMigdal Cafe – overlooking the Old City walls and offering salads and fresh pastries from Harim Bakery. The new entrance is across from the Mamilla Mall. Look for the 3 red flags labelled ‘Tower of David Jerusalem Museum’.

The Museum shop allows visitors to enjoy the esthetic and visual richness that Jerusalem provides, with original and innovative products designed in Israel and around the world and inspired by the city and the Museum’s exhibits. The shop connects layers of history and modern works, revealing and promoting local artists, and providing an expressive space for design, art, values, and multiculturalism.

Address: Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem

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Email: [email protected]
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Collections and Archives – Credits

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.

The Story of the Citadel

The Citadel is a treasure trove of archaeology that tells the story of the city and its history of over 3000 years

First Temple Period (1006 – 586 BCE)

Remains of a wall dating to the end of the First Temple Period were found in the Citadel complex. This was apparently a fortification wall built during the reign of King Hezekiah, 2,700 years ago, as part of the city’s defense.
Hasmonean Period (141 – 63 BCE)

The Hasmonean kings built a massive wall and towers on the site of today’s Citadel complex. Dozens of ballista stones were discovered here near the very place they landed 2,200 years ago. A royal palace was also built in the Citadel area.
From Herod until the Destruction of the Second Temple (37 BCE – 70 CE)

King Herod built three towers atop the Hasmonean fortifications named Hippicus, Phasael, and Miriam. One of these towers survived and is the Museum observation point. A royal palace was built adjacent to the towers and featured pools and gardens.
Roman Period (70 – 324 CE)

The historian Josephus Flavius recorded that only the Phasael Tower survived the Roman destruction of 70 CE. The Roman legion camped in the ruins of the Citadel and left clay pipes stamped with the seal of the 10th Legion.
Byzantine Period (324 – 638 CE)

Byzantine monks came to Jerusalem and lived at the foot of the Phasael Tower. They mistakenly believed that King David built the tower and called it the Tower of David. Two Byzantine era water cisterns also survive in the courtyard.
Early Moslem Period (638 – 1099 CE)

An enclosed citadel was built on the site during the Early Muslim Period. Much smaller than the current citadel it was attached to the Phasael Tower. The base of a round tower with two walls emerging from it can be seen in the courtyard.
Crusader Period (1099 – 1260 CE)

A Crusader castle built in the French feudal style was built in the citadel area and included knights’ halls, arches and defensive walls and was surrounded by a moat. The Crusaders gave the Citadel its current size and dimensions.
Mameluke Period (1260 – 1517 CE)

Most of the rooms used today as exhibition spaces for the Museum were built by the Mamelukes using the structural base of the Crusader Citadel. The Mamelukes extensively renovated the Citadel, enlarging it and adding advanced, defensive features.
Ottoman Period (1517 – 1917 CE)

The Ottomans rebuilt the walls surrounding the Old City. The Citadel underwent extensive renovation, and the monumental entrance gate, cannon plaza, and minaret were built. The minaret, today known as the Tower of David, became a symbol of Jerusalem.
British Mandate Period (1917 – 1947 CE)

The British declared the conquest of the city on the entrance steps to the Citadel. The first archaeological excavations in the complex were conducted during this period and the Citadel was used as an art gallery, museum and cultural center.
State of Israel (1948 CE to present)

After the 1948 War, the Jordanians used the citadel as a fortress. Captured by Israeli forces in 1967, the citadel came under Israeli sovereignty. Extensive archaeological excavations were conducted and in1989 it opened as the Tower of David Museum.
State of Israel (1948 CE to present)

After the 1948 War, the Jordanians used the citadel as a fortress. Captured by Israeli forces in 1967, the citadel came under Israeli sovereignty. Extensive archaeological excavations were conducted and in1989 it opened as the Tower of David Museum.

About The Museum

Our Mission

The Story of the Citadel

First Temple Period (1006 – 586 BCE)

Hasmonean Period (141 – 63 BCE)

From Herod until the Destruction of the Second Temple (37 BCE – 70 CE)

Roman Period (70 – 324 CE)

Byzantine Period (324 – 638 CE)

Early Moslem Period (638 – 1099 CE)

Crusader Period (1099 – 1260 CE)

Mameluke Period (1260 – 1517 CE)

Ottoman Period (1517 – 1917 CE)

British Mandate Period (1917 – 1947 CE)

State of Israel (1948 CE to present)

State of Israel (1948 CE to present)