Young Judaea Year Course In Israel Presents: Top Ten Museums In Israel

The best part about a gap year with Young Judaea Year Coursein Israel? The whole country, including its comprehensive and beautiful museums, is your classroom. Take a look at our top 10 must-see museums, from the internationally-renowned to the just plain cool.

10. Eretz Israel Museum, Ramat Aviv

Via haaretz.com

Just outside the heart of Tel Aviv, the Eretz Israel Museum highlights a wide range of the history of the Land of Israel - from cultural icons, to the journeys of different ethnic groups, to totally awesome and obscure photography exhibits.

9. Treasures in the Walls Museum, Akko

Via akko.org.il

The Treasures in the Walls Museum, tucked away into a corner of Akko's old city walls, is like stepping into an attic filled with a never-ending collection of magical relics of a not-so-distant past. The museum reflects the unique intersection of craftsmanship and religion that defines Akko's very fabric to this day.

8. The Yitzhak Rabin Center, Ramat Aviv

Via jpost.com

Dedicated to the life and memory of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, one of Israel's biggest champions for peace who was tragically assassinated, the Rabin Center also displays the history of peace-making between Israeli and its neighbors.

7. Madatech, Haifa

Via yourway.co.il

Unleash the geek in you (or just overcome your fear of scientific lingo) and let your inner child run free at this museum dedicated to science and technology, featuring exhibits on chemistry, biology, physics and more.

6. Palmach Museum, Ramat Aviv

Via yourway.co.il

This highly-interactive museum dedicated to the history of Israeli's pre-state defence force makes you feel like you were there, experiencing the birth of a nation as it happened, through the people who fought to secure its independence.

5. Bialik Museum, Tel Aviv

Via telavivcity.com

Once the house of Hayim Nahman Bialik, Israel's National Poet, the Bialik Museum showcases the author's most-famous works. And if poetry isn't your thing, go just for the architecture and design, and spend the afternoon pretending you live in Aladdin's house.

4. Yad Vashem, Jerusalem

Via msafdie.com

Tragedy comes alive at Yad Vashem, arguably the most comprehensive Holocaust museum in the world. After hours of learning about humanity's darkest days, visitors exit to a beautiful view of the Jerusalem Forest, and a chance to reflect on their visit.

3. Design Museum, Holon

Via shaigil.com

Holon's stock as one of Israel's top cultural destinations is rising, particularly with the completion of the Design Museum. From everyday objects to the completely absurd, jump into the minds of Israel's top designers and get some inspiration for your own bicycle seat furniture company.

2. Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Tel Aviv

Via universes-in-universe.org

With awe-inspiring exhibits, like Zadok Ben-David's 'Blackfield,' above, the recently-expanded Tel Aviv Museum of Art houses a magnificent collection of modern Israeli and international art, often highlighting artwork by up-and-coming artists alongside some of the most reknowned pieces in the world.

1. Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Via blog.timesofisrael.com

The Israel Museum houses some of the nation's most prized ancient, fine, and modern art. They also host some of the country's best festivals and events - like the annual Jerusalem wine festival, and Contact Point, an all-night party on the museum grounds that encourage artists, and party-goers, to engage with art across all mediums.

Learn more about spending a gap year in Israel with Young Judaea Year Course.