tower of david

In addition to being a museum of history, the Tower of David has become the platform for the contemporary expression in the city of Jerusalem. 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 unique Night Performances – Screened among the archaeological remains in the Citadel courtyard and to the sounds of original music, the history of the city of Jerusalem – in the Night Spectacular, and the story of KING DAVID in the King David show, come to life with breathtaking giant images.

In order to better tell the story of Jerusalem, the Tower of David Museum has pioneered the use of new and interactive digital technologies, games and apps for children, families and adults that, along with our traditional activities, enrich the visitor experience.

The History of the 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 its opening day, the Tower of David Museum has ranked among the leading historical museums in the world.