Visiting the Tower of David Museum
Welcome to the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, located in one of the most historic, important, and exciting sites in Israel – the citadel of Jerusalem. The museum is currently undergoing renovation and due to construction, the museum’s permanent collection is closed and the tour routes are only partially accessible for wheelchairs. The 19th century model of Jerusalem has undergone restoration and preservation,. The new permanent exhibition is openning on June 1st 2023.
Entrance tickets to the Museum include:
Two independent outdoor tour routes through the archaeological courtyard, the moat, the Kishle, and the beautiful 360° viewpoint from the top of Phasael Tower. The tours are accompanied by an audio guide. In addition to the tours, you can enjoy an experiential tour for children “Secrets of the Citadel” (in Hebrew).
Phasael Tower Observation Point – 360° over Jerusalem
At the top of the Phasael Tower at a height of 777 m (2550 ft) above sea level – sits the most beautiful observation point in Jerusalem! 360° of expansive view over east and west, the Old City and the New City, the past and the future. For additional information
Jerusalem – a Bird’s Eye View
This tour route in the open air of the Citadel’s spacious courtyard invites visitors to get to know Jerusalem and discover how the city changed its face throughout history. A window into Jerusalem’s rich history, the tour includes an impressive viewpoint and tour of the archaeological remains and historical models illustrating the city’s development through 3,000 years of history. For additional information
Secrets of Herod’s Palace and the Kishle
This tour route invites visitors on an exciting journey to the city’s past, to the major events and stories that shaped the face of history. In 1999, the Israel Antiquities Authority conducted an extensive archaeological excavation in the Kishle, where secrets of the city from the days of the First Temple Period until modern times were revealed. The tour passes through the remains of Herod’s palace, a unique Jewish factory from the Middle Ages, and the prison in the Kishle, and includes rare finds, stories and exciting testimonials. For additional information
Secrets of the Citadel
Independent game packet about an ancient key that was found in the archaeological excavation in the Citadel. For additional information
Selected activities (with additional costs):
Night Shows illuminated on the ancient walls
Sound and light productions presenting Jerusalem’s story through powerful sounds and visuals. The productions are appropriate for speakers of all languages and are accessible for those with limited mobility. The performances are screened in the open air under the stars and are about 40 minutes long. For additional information
Tastings from Yalla Basta combined with a visit to the Tower of David
Entrance ticket to the Tower of David Museum plus tastings from Yalla Basta. You will receive a card with a map of the central market, guiding you through the streets of the market. With the tasting card you can receive tastings from carefully selected market stalls and enjoy a culinary experience in one of the most beloved markets in Israel. For additional information
**Ticket purchase through the internet site before arriving at the museum is recommended.
Adult | Senior* | Student | Child* | Disabled | Soldier* | |
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Museum Admission | 50 ₪ | 25 ₪ | 40 ₪ | 25 ₪ | 25 ₪ | 25 ₪ |
Night Experiences Night Spectacular / KING DAVID | 67 ₪ | 62 ₪ | 62 ₪ | 57 ₪ | 42 ₪ | 42 ₪ |
Combination Ticket Museum Admission + Night Experiences Night Spectacular / KING DAVID | 102 ₪ | 80 ₪ | 90 ₪ | 75 ₪ | 60 ₪ | 60 ₪ |
FQA
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The Tower of David Museum is an historic site without parallel in Jerusalem or, indeed, the entire world. The Museum is located within the Tower of David Citadel, the iconic symbol of Jerusalem, and tells Jerusalem’s 3,000 year old story through innovative, exciting technology. The Citadel is located at the meeting point between East and West Jerusalem and expresses the continuing dialog that exists between ancient and modern-day Jerusalem. The Tower of David rises above the walls of the Old City, and can be seen from afar. It welcomes all those who come to the Old City through the main gate, Jaffa Gate.
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The site is called “Tower of David” because of a mistaken reading of Josephus Flavius during the Byzantine Period. The blunder continued with the Moslem designation of the Citadel as the “Michrab (prayer niche) of the Prophet David”. As years passed visitors from Western countries transferred the misnomer to the minaret of the Turkish mosque and the name stuck. There are many places named after King David in Jerusalem. And we, the Citadel of Jerusalem, also recall Jerusalem’s legendary king.
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The Tower of David is located on the spot that has guarded Jerusalem for thousands of years. Rulers throughout history have left their mark here. King Herod built 3 massive towers here and the largest one, the Phasael Tower, is still standing. During the Early Muslim Period, a Citadel was built, the, remains of which can be seen today in the center of the courtyard – a round tower 10 meters/30 feet in diameter. The Crusaders constructed a royal palace here. They added a beautiful entrance and a moat (dry and without alligators!). The Mamelukes strengthened the walls of the Citadel and added sophisticated, advanced architectural elements to make the Citadel a symbol of strength. Among the impressive extensions built by the Mamelukes is the hexagonal tower appended to Phasael Tower. The Ottomans built a monumental entrance gate at the the Museum’s eastern entrance, a beautiful stone bridge, the open mosque, and the cannon yard. Their most striking addition was the minaret, the tower of the mosque, known today asthe Tower of David, a prominent symbol of the city of Jerusalem. The British converted the Citadel’s rooms into exhibition spaces; and they actually were the first to use the Tower of David not for defense and protection but rather for peace – as an exhibit space for art and cultural events. After the War of Independence in 1948 the Jordanian Legion controlled the citadel and it became a fortress once again. After the 1967 Six Day War, the Citadel came under Israeli sovereignty and in 1989 the Tower of David Museum was opened. From then until now the archaeological courtyard has hosted visitors from all over the world who come to discover the story of Jerusalem. So actually, everyone contributed to building this place. And all are welcome to enter it! The courtyard of the Citadel is extensive and there are many shady and grassy areas to relax in – come to tour the citadel through its exciting history or just to enjoy a picnic in the pleasant hours of the afternoon, all in the shadow of a Second Temple Period tower or a Byzantine water cistern.
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Yes! Kids love wandering the walls of the Citadel, peeking out through the arrow slits and climbing on the towers. Also, our Night Experiences are recommended for children from age 3. Check our website for special events that we offer kids throughout the year.
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Paid parking is available in the Karta and Mamilla lots across the street
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The entrance to the Tower of David Museum is located opposite Jaffa Gate Square, at the end of the Mamilla pedestrian mall, at the main entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Look for the signage directing you to the entrance courtyard.
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The Citadel is an archaeological site which, for thousands of years served as a fortress to protect the residents from attack and so was designed from the beginning as an inaccessible site. However, the Tower of David Museum has dedicated much attention to making the site and parts of the visitors’ paths accessible. The two Night Experiences are accessible to people with limited mobility. We recommend contacting the reservation center in advance to arrange access. The Night Spectacular is accessible to blind and sight-impaired people through verbal description. To arrange for this, call the reservation center at *2884.
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Of course! The Museum cooperates with all the large customer clubs where you can find discounts on tickets for the Museum, the Night Experiences and special events. In addition, those staying in Jerusalem hotels are entitled to a 15% discount on entrance to the Museum / Night Experiences upon presentation of our coupon, found at your hotel.
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Entrance fee for the Museum: Adult – 50 NIS Child (5-18) – 25 NIS | Israeli Senior Citizen – 25 NIS | Student 40 NIS Ticket to the Night Experiences: Adult – 67 NIS | Child (3-18) – 57 NIS | Israeli Senior Citizen / Student – 62 NIS Combined ticket to the Museum and the Night Experience: Adult – 102 NIS | Child (5-18) – 75 NIS | Israeli Senior Citizen – 80 NIS | Student – 90 NIS
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The Night Spectacular presents the story and faces of Jerusalem woven through a powerful, multi-sensory, multi-media presentation. This sound and light show carries the viewer back in time through the history and events that created Jerusalem. KING DAVID tells the life story of the boy, David, who became king and one of the most famous leaders in the history of the world. The sound and life show brings his character to life as it is screened on the ancient walls between the remains of different historical periods. The story of King David is projected on the stones of Jerusalem, the city he founded and which he built thousands of years ago.
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There is open seating and there are enough seats for all. You can see the presentation in its entirety from every seat in the theater.