Video from Virtual JERUSALEM
Tower of David Museum. This Is Where the Whole History of Jerusalem Began!
"Must-Visit Destination! Welcome to the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, located in one of the most important and exciting historical sites in Israel.' from the video introduction
"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 institutions 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, and 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 Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, is open seven days a week, morning and evening, 364 days a year.
In June 2023, after more than a decade in planning and three years of construction, we opened our doors as the gateway to the Old City, the new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum. The renewal and conservation project included the conservation of the ancient citadel, the conservation and renewal of the minaret – the iconic symbol of Jerusalem, the construction of a new sunken multi-level entrance pavilion and a museum shop, the renewal of infrastructure, the improvement of accessibility, and the highlight: a new permanent exhibition with 10 completely new galleries, which bring together authenticity and technology, creativity and innovation, and provide an extraordinary interactive experience. The new permanent exhibition provides an engaging exploration of the city, intertwining the historical narrative of Jerusalem of 4000 years with its significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The visitor leaves the Museum with a deeper understanding the city’s past and is better equipped to interpret and explore the Old City and the modern metropolis today. ' from the website: tod.orh.il