Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem
Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem
Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem
4.5
Architectural BuildingsObservation Decks & TowersHistory Museums
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Located in the restored ancient Citadel of Jerusalem at the entrance to the Old City, the Tower of David Museum tells the story of the city through history. The exhibition takes the visitor on a journey through 3000 years of history, using models, displays and multi media so that the timeline of the city comes to life. The museum stages temporary exhibitions which integrate the unique location and majesty of the ancient Citadel and its history with a contemporary presentation of artistic and historical issues. It hosts lectures and special musical, educational and cultural events. The 2 night shows, both the Night Spectacular and KING DAVID are world renowned and present Jerusalem's special character and beauty screened in lights, images and music on the ancient walls in the Citadel courtyard. Admission to the unique 360° view point over the old and new city of Jerusalem is 15 NIS only!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,595 contributionsAncient tower is a Jerusalem landmarkThe Tower of David is an ancient site, dating back to the First Temple. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The Tower of David adjoins the Jaffa Gate, in the Old City. The Museum has many interesting archeological relics, dating from over 2,500 years ago. The Tower of David is often used for community events. The Tower of David is an interesting feature of Jerusalem's Old City.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 November 2023
- InamaromHaifa, Israel73 contributionsInteresting and beautiful site, but...We participated in a guided tour (free of charge) of the site which was interesting. Our guide was pleasant and patient, very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions to the best of his ability. The view from the wall surrounding the citadel, both towards the old city and the Mount of Olives and towards the western city, is spectacular. But, the floor in the women's restroom was filthy and remained so even after two hours, even though I called the attention of the receptionist at the entrance to the site and noticed that she called a cleaning worker. It is not enough to call, you also need to make sure that the task is carried out.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 March 2024
- catalin sCraiova, Romania271 contributionsNice experienceNice museum, focused on the history of Jerusalem, from it's earliest signs of living until today. Due to it's location, it is challenging to navigate. Also, I found quite strange how the path inside the museum are signaled and created. You even exit at a different point than the entry one. Must be in good physical condition, lots of stairs, up and down, plus the old ramparts with uneven surfaces. There is a mix of traditional and hi-tech exhibits, it could be a nice place to spend some time if you are interested in history.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 5 June 2024
- AG1183Israel57 contributionsDon't miss if you like history and archaeology.Excellent experience. Went with 5/8/10 kids. There is so much to see and learn about.also there were many activities for the kids you like making dream catcher. The guided tour is musk be taken because it's a big place. It's also combining history with technology which very appropriate for kids.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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George H
30 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Entry to the Citadel (Tower of David) includes two audio tours around the open site but no museum. They are both reasonably informative, despite some thudderingly obvious statements. Highlights include the stunning panoramic view and aluminium models of the site through the ages (including a poignant representation of Golgotha at the time of the second temple). It’s also pretty atmospheric and when we went, delightfully quiet. I’m afraid I couldn’t get very excited about the various walls in the Kishle. It’s worth a visit early on to get your head around the origins of the city but paying the standard ticket price of £40 for 4 adults without the museum seems a bit steep, but that’s Jerusalem for you.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shahar L
Tel Aviv, Israel263 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
This museum hosts a variety of items between the old well maintained ruins of david's citadel. during our visit we saw 3 exhibitions- the kishle (which is a stunning old fortress with rich history) the bird view (many findings across the citadel) and the banai exhibition- about a talented family of performers in israel. we enjoyed our tour very much- adults and kids alike.
Written 7 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wlaura
Bucharest, Romania404 contributions
Dec 2019
We went for the light show, it costs 70 shekel which is a lot, the show is very mediocre not to speak about the fact that in the winter you sit outside in cold and even rain.
A very bad idea. I've seen much better shows (for ex. in Brussels) for free, no money.
A very bad idea. I've seen much better shows (for ex. in Brussels) for free, no money.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarcusHurley
Calne, UK10,787 contributions
Dec 2022
Last stop on our Israeli road trip was Jerusalem. We didn't walk a full circuit of the walls although we did a section of it. We also visited the Tower of David Museum and Citadel, located in the Phasael Tower, one of the original towers built by Herod the Great to defend Jerusalem.
The tower was incorporated into the citadel that held out against the Crusaders for 5 weeks before the capture of Jerusalem in 1099. It was then attacked, destroyed and rebuilt several times during the Crusades and the final structure now is largely a result of Mamluk and Ottoman rebuilding.
It was great to wander around and look at the various layers and time periods incorporated in the buildings and ongoing excavations. The best part was the models of the city at various periods so you cold see both the size and layout but also the major buildings.
The tower was incorporated into the citadel that held out against the Crusaders for 5 weeks before the capture of Jerusalem in 1099. It was then attacked, destroyed and rebuilt several times during the Crusades and the final structure now is largely a result of Mamluk and Ottoman rebuilding.
It was great to wander around and look at the various layers and time periods incorporated in the buildings and ongoing excavations. The best part was the models of the city at various periods so you cold see both the size and layout but also the major buildings.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goodguyjas
London, UK1,218 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
On the edge of the old city is the first place I wanted to go to. The brilliant woman at the ticket office was very helpful and explained the renovation work that would affect part of my visit but was happy to pay and also get the audio device to play the commentary. You have to leave a physical deposit like a credit card or driving license etc for the loan. Once inside made for the roof to survey the area. Yes, the tower was scaffolded but the area looked like history still and you can only imagine who has stepped foot here. You are now part of that history. Great views all around and the inner area still transports you back in time. Now there is a restaurant here so tables were setup, which spoiled the look but not end of the world. Lots of places to walk, up and down and along walkways. Felt safe and good footing. Builders and a few places are taken over from the public. But still a good area to see. The Fabulous view of the Temple Mount and the Mount Of Olives area in the distance are a big highlight of the museum. Great pictures. Plus the city in the foreground.
Walked around and you could visit some rooms and also walk to the Kishle lookout. Note you can continue to walk along the battlements and out of the museum. This area is open to the public. So remember to come back if you have the audio guide!
Still great with renovating going on. Amazing feeling being here.
Walked around and you could visit some rooms and also walk to the Kishle lookout. Note you can continue to walk along the battlements and out of the museum. This area is open to the public. So remember to come back if you have the audio guide!
Still great with renovating going on. Amazing feeling being here.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tah
Singapore381 contributions
Apr 2022
This museum is one of the best historical experiences available in the area. Definitely worth the time and effort to go through. A little physically challenging in some spaces, and it is large, so takes a while to get through, but I always enjoy the effort and always learn something new each time.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fbabani
Ashdod, Israel14,847 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
In the Tower of David area, the Archaeological Museum of Jerusalem is located, admission costs 50 shekel.
It is indeed a must-see place, very interesting everything that is exposed about the history of Israel and Jerusalem in particular.
But the main dish is the route through the whole walled area of the Tower of David, you have to go up, down, stairs, steps and ramps, really worth admiring the landscape of the city from the top of the tower and also from the minaret.
It is indeed a must-see place, very interesting everything that is exposed about the history of Israel and Jerusalem in particular.
But the main dish is the route through the whole walled area of the Tower of David, you have to go up, down, stairs, steps and ramps, really worth admiring the landscape of the city from the top of the tower and also from the minaret.
Automatically translated
Written 15 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yigal L
Israel153 contributions
Aug 2023
The so-called "Tower of David" is actually the citadel of the Old City of Jerusalem, built by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century, over the ruins of previous citadels, going back to the first century BCE (King Herod the Great), which were built over fortifications going back to the late First Temple Period (8-6 centuries BCE). The iconic round tower is actually the minaret of the Turkish mosque. The citadel was first used as a museum in the 1920's under British rule, and the Israeli museum, dedicated to the history of Jerusalem, opened in the 1980's. Now, after several years of renovations, the museum reopened, and I was curious to see the new exhibit.
I must say that I was a bit disappointed. The Site itself is an architectural and archaeological treasure, and the internal landscaping is nice, but the exhibit itself is not as good as I remembered the previous one to be. It’s all interactive, with lots of multi-screen films, an audio guide (which come free with admission!) and so on, but it’s less instructive that it could be. Instead of taking the visitor on an orderly tour of Jerusalem’s history, as you would expect, the museum accentuates the centrality of Jerusalem to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in a way that only scratches the surface of each. The rest of the exhibits are made to emphasize multiculturality, and major periods and topics are simply skipped over. An uneducated visitor might be impressed, but would not come out with a real understanding of the history of the city.
On the plus side, since I did visit at the height of summer vacation, the museum did offer various attractions for children, including a juggler and opportunities to dress up in various costumes.
I must say that I was a bit disappointed. The Site itself is an architectural and archaeological treasure, and the internal landscaping is nice, but the exhibit itself is not as good as I remembered the previous one to be. It’s all interactive, with lots of multi-screen films, an audio guide (which come free with admission!) and so on, but it’s less instructive that it could be. Instead of taking the visitor on an orderly tour of Jerusalem’s history, as you would expect, the museum accentuates the centrality of Jerusalem to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, in a way that only scratches the surface of each. The rest of the exhibits are made to emphasize multiculturality, and major periods and topics are simply skipped over. An uneducated visitor might be impressed, but would not come out with a real understanding of the history of the city.
On the plus side, since I did visit at the height of summer vacation, the museum did offer various attractions for children, including a juggler and opportunities to dress up in various costumes.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inamarom
Haifa, Israel73 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We participated in a guided tour (free of charge) of the site which was interesting. Our guide was pleasant and patient, very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions to the best of his ability. The view from the wall surrounding the citadel, both towards the old city and the Mount of Olives and towards the western city, is spectacular. But, the floor in the women's restroom was filthy and remained so even after two hours, even though I called the attention of the receptionist at the entrance to the site and noticed that she called a cleaning worker. It is not enough to call, you also need to make sure that the task is carried out.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IMLady_Marion
United States131 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
This night sound and light show projected on the ancient walls of the Citadel is quite a different experience from viewing the Museum during the day. I'd recommend doing both. This is my third time, and I've never ceased to be amazed. Be prepared for cool to cold nights in Jerusalem so dress accordingly. The ticket office sells fleece blankets if that gives you a clue. While the show itself is under an hour, it packs quite a memorable experience. I've seen laser light and sound shows projected on flat and granite walls throughout the world. To see it on ancient walls in Jerusalem is a goosebump inducing experience.
Written 13 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to book an entrance to the citadel and one to the light and sound show, but it doesn't give me the April schedule
Written 3 February 2020
Times are subject to change according to the season. It is best to follow the accurate times and dates on our website. For the coming season we have showings on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please check out our website for exact times and changes. Thank you.
Written 31 October 2019
Are the night light shows available in November?
Written 17 August 2019
The shows are available all year round.
Written 1 January 2020
What is the difference between the classic night spectacular and the new king david show? Is it recommended to see both together or pick one ? Also are VIP tix avail for both
Thank you for any info 😄
Written 7 July 2019
The original show ("Night Spectacular") is more broadly about Jerusalem, whereas the new show ("King David") is about Elton John. :-) Seriously, these shows might be for you but I was so seriously underwhelmed by the NS show last year that this year I didn't even consider the KD show.
As for the basic facts...
both are 45 minutes long
both cost 65 NIS (or 140 NIS for VIP tix)
both are guaranteed to be cold if you dressed for the daytime
If you haven't found them yet, look up the official promo blurbs on each, from the Tower of David web site:
/en/the-night-spectacular/
/en/the-king-david-show/
In my own opinion, I'd say save the $20-$40 USD and meander across the street to the little museum at Christ Church behind he cafe. Let Moshe or Rodney tell you all about Jerusalem for (at least!) 45 minutes, and then either donate the ticket money there or buy lunch to eat in the cafe courtyard and enjoy a cool quiet hideaway from the crush of commercialism. Again, that's just what I would do.
I hope you have a great trip!
Written 7 July 2019
Did you get advance tickets. Would you recommend getting advance tickets?
Written 13 January 2019
You can get tickets on line
Depending when you go I would recommend you getting on line ticket
Written 21 January 2019
Ellie R
Asheville, North Carolina
Is there a place to store backpacks at the museum?
Written 30 December 2017
It is rare that you can store things at any tourist attraction due to security concerns, so it is best to expect to carry everything wherever you go. As for here in particular, I do not remember there being an area to store personal items.
Written 14 January 2019
Can we walk inside the citadel without going into the museum? Or do we need a combination ticket? I am asking because my kids won't have a long attention span for the exhibits. we are planning to buy tickets for the Light show. Thank you!
Written 3 March 2017
Yes you can. The museum is on the main level and you can let the kids explore around the citadel while an adult is visiting the museum.
Written 4 March 2017
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