- Address: Jerusalem, Israel;
- Foundation date: 1962;
- Website: muzteva.org.il;
- Phone: +972 2-563-1116;
- Opening hours: Mon, Wed, 08: 30-18, Tue., Thurs., Sun. 08: 30-13: 30, Fri. - Closed, Saturday - 10-14.
Going on a trip to Jerusalem , you should definitely visit the Nature Museum, which is located next to the German colony in the city. Here is a rich collection of exhibits in the field of biology, ecology and anatomy. Children will come to full delight from the exposition on the theme of dinosaurs.
History and description of the museum
The Jerusalem Museum of Nature is interesting, first of all, by the building in which it is located. He was once built in the 60s of the 19th century by the rich Armenian merchant Lazarus Paul Margaryan. This ancient two-storey stone building is surrounded by a beautiful garden, whose fence is a high wall. It provides two gates, and near the front entrance there is a sign - "Deccan Villa".
At the beginning of the 19th century, the construction of the German Sloboda began on the southern side of the building. The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the transition of the structure to the administration of the Ottoman Empire. Residences of various institutions began to be placed in it.
When the First World War began and the territory of Israel was under British control, an officer club was placed in the building. And only in 1962 the building was given to the Jerusalem Museum of Nature, which was open to the general public.
The museum has a detailed composition dedicated to the structure of the human body and its internal systems. The exposition is divided into various spheres of natural science disciplines. For example, you can see an exhibition on the geology and structure of the planet.
The largest part of the exhibition is dedicated to birds, mammals and reptiles that live in Israel . In addition, the museum has numerous children's groups. It is not possible to see the collection and take part in all the museum's proposals in one day, but it will be possible for adults and children to get a general idea of the nature of Israel.
There is also a taxidermic exhibition, which includes stuffed animals, including large mammals. Therefore, children and adults have a great opportunity to see the Syrian bear, lion, tiger.
Guests are shown various models and dioramas, which will help to quickly learn the museum's exposition. One of the most interesting temporary exhibitions was an exhibition on the theme of "Earthquakes."
In addition to the permanent exhibition, temporary and additional lessons are regularly held at the museum, lectures are given, both indoors and outdoors. At special exhibitions, guests can see a two-headed calf or an enlarged 3D spider.
Actual information for visitors
Small visitors will be interested in a living area located in the north-eastern part of the park. There are waterfowl, rodents and reptiles, which are courted not only by museum workers, but also by young naturalists. The north-western part of the park is given to the educational apiary with a center for studying the life of bees.
Throughout the park in the courtyard of the museum are placed interesting sculptures around which you want to be photographed not only to a small child, but also to an adult, so realistic and beautiful.
This surprises for visitors do not end there. Recently, negotiations have been held on the restoration of the historic museum building, underground water cisterns, as well as the permanent exhibition of solar energy.
The Museum of Nature operates on the following schedule:
- Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday - from 8.30 to 14.00;
- Monday and Wednesday - from 8.30 to 18.00;
- Saturday from 10.00 to 14.00.
In the public garden classes are held on Thursdays from 15.00 to 19.00. There is also its own library, which is open from Monday to Wednesday in the afternoon - from 15.00 to 18.00. To see the living area and the apiary, it is necessary to agree with the museum administration in advance.
The entrance to the museum is paid and is for children under 12 years old and pensioners - $ 4, and for an adult person - $ 5.5.
How to get there?
You can get to the Jerusalem Museum of Nature by bus numbers 4, 14, 18.