Visiting the Tower of David Museum

FQA

• What is the Tower of David?
  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.  
• Why is the Citadel called the “Tower of David”?
  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.  
• Who Built the Citadel?
  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.  
• Is the Museum interesting for kids?
  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.
• Is there parking?
  Paid parking is available in the Karta and Mamilla lots across the street
• Where is the entrance to the Tower of David Museum?
  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.  
• Is the Museum accessible?
  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.  
• Are discounts available?
  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.  
• How much is the entrance fee? From what age do you need to pay?
  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
• What is the difference between the Night Spectacular and KING DAVID?
  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.
• Where are the best seats for viewing the Night Experiences?
  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.