OHMYGOSSIP — The Tower of David Museum is the leading heritage site/museum in Israel with the largest range of cutting edge technology to enhance an independent traveler’s visit to the Museum as an adult or as a family!
Where: Tower of David
Jerusalem’s Citadel, known as the ”Tower of David”, is a historical and archaeological asset of international significance. The Citadel is a medieval fortress with architectural additions from later periods. It is located near the Jaffa Gate, the historical entrance to the city and the point where the East meets the West. It bears cultural and architectural values and has been the symbol of the city of Jerusalem for generations.
”The Tower of David Museum” of the History of Jerusalem is located in the medieval citadel known as the Tower of David, near the Jaffa Gate, the historic entrance to the Old City. The Museum presents Jerusalem’s story. It details the major events in its history beginning with the first evidence of a city in Jerusalem in the second millennium BCE, until the city became the capital of the State of Israel, as well as its significance to three religions. The permanent exhibition illustrates the city’s history along the axis of time using myriad methods and includes explanations in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
The Citadel itself is a fascinating archaeological site. The finds uncovered within are a testimony to Jerusalem’s eventful past and produce a representation of Jerusalem and its various historical periods in microcosm. The Citadel’s towers offer a 360-degree view of the Old City of Jerusalem as well as the city’s modern areas.
In addition to being a museum of history, the Tower of David relates to both the past and the future. 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. The museum also hosts lectures and special events in music, dance and drama as well as dozens of educational activities and programs. The museum also stages a unique sound and light show – The Night Spectacular – the only one of its kind in the world.
When: August 2015
What:
Dungeons & Dragons – A fantasy world in the citadel
July-August | Saturdays | at 10:00, 12: 00
The magical world of the game “Dungeons and Dragons” comes to life in the ancient citadel in Jerusalem. Children are invited to meet the Dungeon Master, and take costumes and weapons to become their favorite character: Orcs? Monks? Wizards? Wizards?
Child: 50 NIS
Accompanying Parents: 30 NIS
Accompanying Siblings: 10 NIS (Children’s Summer Price)
The game takes place in small groups, according to age groups: 8-9, 10-12. Activity is in Hebrew. Participation is conditional upon a minimum of participants. All weapons and game accessories are designed for kids. Accompanying parents and siblings who do not participate in the game, are offered quality recreation time with books and stories, mazes, and workshops for all ages.
Stories of the Walls – a summer tour for the whole family
July-August | Tuesday and Thursday | 17:30
Twilight tour of the city walls incorporating songs, legends and stories about places and people. The tour begins in the moat at the Tower of David, and continues to the Ramparts Walk up to the Western Wall. The tour lasts about two hours. Activity is in Hebrew. The tour is suitable for families with children from the age of 6 (not suitable for strollers and those with walking difficulties)
Tour dates: 28/7, 30/7, 4/8, 6/8, 11/8, 13/8, 18/8, 20/8, 25/8, 27/8
Price: 60 NIS adult, senior citizen 50 NIS, child 30 NIS
Tours are conditional on a minimum number of participants. Special benefits for those who order through “Take 2 days in Jerusalem”. Special benefits for children in the framework of “Another Summer”
Hands On! – Stimulating activity for families in summer
August | Sunday-Thursday | 9: 00 am – 3:00 pm
Inspired by the new exhibition “Objective” – join an experiential activity around the Citadel that tracks the materials that objects around us are made of – follow the trail that leads to the guard rooms, exhibition halls, hidden corners and hidden gardens to be able to touch the unexpected.
Suitable for the whole family, parts of the trail are suitable for strollers, and for anyone who is willing to “dirty his hands”
Price of entry and participation:
Child 10 NIS – Adult – 40 NIS
Participation in a workshop to build a wall clock: 30NIS
Activity is in Hebrew. Part of the activity need bare feet, so sandals are highly recommended. At the end of the trail there will be a meeting with craftsmen and artists to experience ancient crafts.
The History of The Tower of David Museum
The Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem opened to the public in April 1989. Its establishment was initiated and promoted by then mayor, the late Mr. Teddy Kollek, who sought to revive a tradition dating back to the British Mandate when the site served as a cultural center housing temporary exhibitions (1921-1931) and cultural events.
In order to prepare the citadel to house the city’s museum, archaeological digs were conducted and a large scale restoration was undertaken: the citadel’s guardrooms were restored and adapted to serve as galleries for the permanent exhibition on the history of Jerusalem; a crusader hall was prepared for housing temporary exhibitions; promenades along the citadel wall’s were restored to view spectacular cityscape views and walking paths were laid down in the citadel’s courtyard, among the archaeological findings. The restoration and adaptation of the citadel, which preserves the special character of the site, was carried out in strict accordance with preservation rules enshrined in international conventions.
In parallel, a professional staff worked on developing the permanent exhibition of the history of Jerusalem. The decision to have an interpretive exhibition which is not based on a collection of authentic artifacts, but rather utilizes a myriad of illustrative methods in order to relate the city’s history was groundbreaking.
Ever since it’s opening day, the Tower of David Museum has ranked among the leading historical museums in the world!
Please find admission fees, guided tours, group reservations and visitor´s info HERE