FAQ's

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.

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, the 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 the Phasael Tower. The Ottomans built a monumental entrance gate at 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 as the Tower of David, a prominent symbol of the city of Jerusalem. The British converted the Citadel’s rooms into exhibition spaces; 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 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. 

By combining state-of-the-art technology and creative media with original artifacts, the museum brings the rich and complex story of Jerusalem to life. Housed within the ancient citadel, the modern galleries involve visitors with the stories of the events, rituals, history, and individuals that have shaped Jerusalem—one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Visitors are invited to actively explore the city’s sanctity to three major faiths and trace its evolution from a small settlement to the vibrant metropolis it is today. The citadel itself serves as a microcosm of Jerusalem’s history, with artifacts and remains from every era on display in the archaeological courtyard, the moat, and the historic Kishle building. An audio guide, available in seven languages and synchronized with all the media, is included with the price of admission.

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. Many places in Jerusalem are named after King David; we at the Citadel also pay homage to the city’s legendary monarch.

The new entrance to the Museum is located to the right of the Jaffa Gate courtyard when exiting Mamilla Rd. Look for the 3 red flags with the Museum name.

Sunday: 12:00pm – 5:00pm (last entrance at 4:00 pm) Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entrance at 4:00 pm) Tuesday: 9:00am – 8:00 pm (last entrance at 7:00 pm) Friday, Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (last entrance at 2:00 pm)

Times for the screening of the Night Experiences change depending upon the season. Times are updated on the Night Experiences page.

Entrance fee for the Museum: Adult – 55 NIS Child (5-18) – 35 NIS | Israeli Senior Citizen – 28 NIS | Student 44 NIS Ticket to the Night Experiences: Adult – 69 NIS | Child (3-18) – 59 NIS | Israeli Senior Citizen – 64 NIS | Student – 64 NIS Combined ticket to the Museum and the Night Experience: Adult – 108 NIS | Child (5-18) – 83 NIS | Israeli Senior Citizen – 83 NIS | Student – 95 NIS

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.

Yes! Even though the citadel is an archaeological site which, for thousands of years, served as a fortress designed to keep people out, the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum is dedicated to making the site accessible. Two new elevators, ramps, lifts and wide passageways allow access to people with limited mobility. The site is also accessible through digital audio description guides for the visually impaired and digital visual guides in International and Israeli sign language. An audio guide in simple language is also available. The Night Spectacular is accessible through audio description and both performances are accessible for those with limited mobility. We recommend contacting the reservation center at *2884 in advance to arrange access.

Yes! Kids love wandering the walls of the Citadel, peeking out through the arrow slits, and climbing on the towers. The new permanent exhibition also includes exhibits, digital displays and games that kids of all ages love to explore. An audio guide in simple Hebrew language is free with the price of admission. Also, our Night Experiences are recommended for children ages 3 and up. Check our website for special events that we offer kids throughout the year.

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.

Paid parking is available in the Karta and Mamilla lots across the street.