The Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem
The Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem, located in the
magnificently restored ancient citadel that guards the Jaffa Gate entrance to
the Old City, is a modern and innovative museum that offers a comprehensive
introduction to Jerusalem’s fascinating and complex 3000-year history. The
visitor crosses the drawbridge and enters the cavernous halls, turreted
fortifications and picturesque courtyard for a fascinating tour of the rich history
of the city that tells the dramatic events that give Jerusalem its unique place in
world civilization.
Jerusalem is rediscovered through the Museum’s fascinating and panoramic
exhibit; through exciting and groundbreaking special exhibitions and events;
through an array of unique educational programs for children and adults; and
through specifically designed innovative learning experiences for diverse
populations.
A variety of modern multi-media techniques and reconstructions make up the
permanent exhibition that recounts the city’s past in an exciting and
accessible manner. Visitors progress along a time line of history to learn
about the customs, events and people who have left their imprint on the city
and on civilization.
The Citadel complex spreads over 2.5 acres and contains a medieval citadel
with panoramic views of Jerusalem from the towers and parapets, galleries,
exhibition rooms, an outdoor amphitheater and stage, an archaeological
courtyard, coffee shop, and a dry moat complete with archaeological remains
from over 2700 years ago.
As a leading cultural institution in Jerusalem, the Tower of David presents
special exhibitions that highlight unique aspects of the history, art and
traditions of the city, both historical and contemporary. These innovative
exhibits draw on the Museum’s spectacular site to combine the magnificence
of the ancient fortress and its momentous history with a modern presentation
of artistic and cultural themes. The Museum also sponsors special events
focusing on music, dance and drama which are enhanced by the location and
its special ambience.
From its inception in 1989 the Museum established a pioneering education
department that has devised and implemented a range of imaginative
programs. Learning programs, geared to specific age groups, help visitors to
relate to the history of Jerusalem, and challenge them to confront its past in
order to understand the present. The Museum presents the centrality of
Jerusalem to Islam and Christianity as well as to Judaism and so serves as a
means to explain the historical importance of Jerusalem to all three religions,
involving Arab as well as Jewish visitors. Foreign language programs engage
overseas visitors.
The Museum sponsors special educational programs for Israel’s diverse
populations including youth at risk from both Jewish and Arab sectors, special
needs children, new immigrant groups and young soldiers. These programs
focus on allowing young people to explore Jerusalem’s history and challenge
them to deal with the customs, beliefs and dilemmas of the city that often
mirror their own questions of identity and belonging.
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International Public Relations. Caroline Shapiro . Tel: 972 544909277 .
caroline.shapiro@gmail.com
www.tod.org.il