L.A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art
Rich history alongside contemporary art and cultural events for the general public
The Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem tells the amazing story of the Islamic world from the 7th century to the 19th century. The museum’s collection includes thousands of rare items including metalware, jewelry, musical instruments, ceramics, scientific instruments, manuscripts and calligraphy, fine glassware, textiles, carpets and more.
One of the permanent displays at the museum is the Sir David Salomons rare collection of antique European watches and clocks, which contains, among other things, the breakthrough pieces by master watchmaker Abraham Louis Breguet (1723-1847). Breguet is the horologist who most influenced the history of modern watches and who is responsible for important technological innovations in the world of watches, such as the “Marie Antoinette,” that led to a revolution that redefined how time was measured. The collection is one of the three major ones in the world and includes many items of various types including musical pocket watches and singing bird boxes, automata, watches from the 18th century produced for the Turkish market, carriage clocks, and exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces containing watches and adorned with precious stones: a pistol, a fan, a perfume flask, a butterfly, a bracelet and more.
Temporary exhibitions
In addition to the unique permanent display, the museum features yearly two temporary exhibitions of contemporary art on various subjects that correspond with Islamic art and culture. The exhibitions are accompanied by dozens of cultural events for the general public, including gallery tours and meetings with artists whose artwork is featured in the exhibitions, music events, and lectures. Information on the new exhibitions can be found on the museum’s website.
Prices
Adult: ₪44
Senior Citizen: ₪22
Student/police officer/soldier/Jerusalem card holders/handicapped: ₪35
Child (age 5-18): ₪25
Tuesdays: ₪10
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 96 traveler reviews
We visited the museum yesterday and were shown around by an extremely knowledgable guide. We learned many things previously completely unknown to us about the Islam, about the Arab world, the Turks, the Berbers, the Armenians. We learned some of the history of Islam, the meaning of Hadj, the life of Mohamed. Many beautiful...
MoreWe visited the museum yesterday and were shown around by an extremely knowledgable guide. We learned many things previously completely unknown to us about the Islam, about the Arab world, the Turks, the Berbers, the Armenians. We learned some of the history of Islam, the meaning of Hadj, the life of Mohamed. Many beautiful artefacts, some of them very old and well preserved. Very much worthwhile!
LessLast saturday it was possible to visit the museum and get explanation of the various exhibitions. We saw the exhibition of jewelry from various countries as Iran, India and more. The interesting part was that many modern artist made pieces inspired in the old work with a personal view. It was a very interesting presentation. The museum...
MoreLast saturday it was possible to visit the museum and get explanation of the various exhibitions. We saw the exhibition of jewelry from various countries as Iran, India and more. The interesting part was that many modern artist made pieces inspired in the old work with a personal view. It was a very interesting presentation. The museum has to be visited many times to see all what it is exhibit.
LessAn impressive collection of Islamic art makes for a nice diversion in West Jerusalem, and also makes for a nice break from the tourist circuit, as most of the visitors seem to be locals and not foreign tourists. The clock and watch exhibit is quite spectacular, but of course these are all European made...
MoreAn impressive collection of Islamic art makes for a nice diversion in West Jerusalem, and also makes for a nice break from the tourist circuit, as most of the visitors seem to be locals and not foreign tourists. The clock and watch exhibit is quite spectacular, but of course these are all European made and have little to do with Islam--they just happen to have been collected by the museum's benefactor. But this makes for a nice air-conditioned stop and feels somewhat different than most of the stops on the Typical Jerusalem tourist map.
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