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Jerusalem Nature Museum

Jerusalem Nature Museum

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4.1
based on 714 traveler reviews
openUntil 16:00arrow left more icon
Kids Friendly
Partially Accessible
Open on Sat
Jerusalem’s Nature Museum in the German Colony is a nature oasis in the middle of the city that offers visitors a range of educational nature and cultural activities.

The museum opened its doors to the public in 1962. It is housed in a historic structure named “Villa Decan.” Villa Decan was built in the 19th century by a rich Armenian merchant as his home. At the turn of the century the house was turned over to the Turks, and used by the Turkish Governor. Following World War I the building was used by the British High Commissioner, and later became an officer’s club. The building and courtyard were abandoned after the War of Independence and a center for nature studies was established in the 1950s.

Exhibitions cover various subjects in the field of natural sciences, with a strong emphasis on the wildlife of Israel, past and present. Especially prominent are the exhibits of birds and mammals of Israel. The human body is also presented in detail, illustrating the cardiovascular, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, digestive, skeletal and muscular systems. The exhibits include panels, mounted animals, models and dioramas.

In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, there are temporary exhibits designed for students and the general public. Besides films, lectures and classes, the museum offers indoor and outdoor hands-on activities where visitors have direct contact with nature.

The museum also runs summer camps for children. Guided or assisted tours are available for groups of all ages. Reservations must be made in advance.

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google reviews

4.1
based on 714 traveler reviews
  • Alex Drukpa.
    Alex Drukpa.
    April 4, 2023

    On the one hand, the place is really neglected, the windows of the exhibits are broken and they fixed them with adhesive paper, the floor and the walls have seen better days, the exhibits are dusty and some of the explana...

  • Guy Coffman
    Guy Coffman
    October 16, 2017

    Nice gardens, a little gem in Jerusalem. Interesting taxidermy collection. It may need a little renovation but that part of the charm

  • Daniel Bulitchev
    Daniel Bulitchev
    October 6, 2023

    Vintage , almost ancient museum, with authentic atmosphere of old fashioned natural history exhibits. Amazing garden around to spend time for picking and discovering local flora .

  • Arik Shraga
    Arik Shraga
    October 11, 2022

    This place used to be a jem when it hosted multiple cultural initiatives, but all of them were kicked out recently. The museum itself requires major renovation, the collections are old and not captivating at all. The gard...

  • Lolerinio
    Lolerinio
    March 23, 2021

    I like this place. its very quite and cute. There are museum,lake,garden and shop. 1 by 1 The museum: very cool but its more for kids lots of things to learn. The lake: is little but what interesting in it? Its hydropon...

more info
  • address iconShmu'el Mohilever St 6, Jerusalem
  • Go to website of google map
  • from ₪20.00
phone02-563-1116
more info
  • from ₪20.00
phone02-563-1116