Ein Yael Living Museum
Ein Yael is situated the Emek Refaim valley in the heart of nature on the outskirts of Jerusalem. The site includes ancient terraces, a spring, gardens and agricultural areas, and a reconstructed Roman street with shops and workshops. Ein Yael is also home to various archaeological remains such as a Roman villa and bathhouses, as well as impressive mosaics. Each of these areas come to life through a variety of workshops and activities that focus on ancient crafts and agricultural practices.
Activities at Ein Yael include weaving, pottery, mosaic making, fresco painting, scented oil production, construction , basket making , musical instruments and more. During specific times of the year and depending on the agricultural season, Ein Yael operates an olive press to make oil, a wine press to make grape juice, and a granary to thresh wheat. Workshops enable participants to experience the process of creating tools, objects and food that have been used since ancient times.
The Ein Yael Active Museum is a remarkable location, offering a unique combination of nature and encounters with ancient lifestyles in Israel. The site seeks to give children an experience that is not available in today’s modern world; one that connects them to nature through hands-on sensory experiences.
Details
Where: Ein Yael is located about two minutes from the Malha Mall (mailing address: Ein Yael Museum, PO Box 46169)
Hours: Open to groups year-round with advance registration; and to individuals and families during July and August, on the intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot and school holidays
Directions: From the roundabout next to Malha train station , cross the railway barrier and after 200 meters turn left ( there is a sign near the entrance).
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 16 traveler reviews
Disclaimer: we visited during the last week of August, when it's quieter - the place is probably less pleasant during peak times. I went with my 6 year old and my 9 year old: both were enthralled and would have happily stayed for more than the six hours we spent there had the place...
MoreDisclaimer: we visited during the last week of August, when it's quieter - the place is probably less pleasant during peak times. I went with my 6 year old and my 9 year old: both were enthralled and would have happily stayed for more than the six hours we spent there had the place not closed at six. It's a well-shaded terraced garden opposite the biblical zoo, built to simulate "ancient" times. Kids get to take part in a dozen or so activities, some more impressive than others, but all are original. There's also a "roman" market street with a blacksmith, a carpenter and a potter who all gladly explain their craft. Most of the staff are pleasant and helpful, a few less so. The carpenter, who's engaged in making his own era-appropriate tools, I found especially interesting. Reasonably priced (45 NIS entry?), much cheaper as a Groupon. As mentioned, soft drinks only sold at the gate. Tips: 1. Bring food and drink - lots of water.... Lots of picnic tables around. 2. If you can go in the last week of August, great. If not, probably be a bit of queuing to do. 3. Check beforehands - the place is often closed for private groups, no way of knowing unless you call ahead.
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We heard wonderful things about Ein Yael for younger children only to finally arrange a tour and be completely disappointed. The place is not child friendly. Carriages are difficult to navigate. There is zero options to even purchase a water bottle and we were not given a warning about this. We communicated with them...
MoreWe heard wonderful things about Ein Yael for younger children only to finally arrange a tour and be completely disappointed. The place is not child friendly. Carriages are difficult to navigate. There is zero options to even purchase a water bottle and we were not given a warning about this. We communicated with them on multiple occasions by phone and email and not once did they say oh bring your own drinks. It was extremely hot and uncomfortable and the adults and kids were irritable without drinks. The grounds are not well maintained and are quite dirty. Wrappers all over the place (obviously not from snacks sold there). Half our group left early after pita break making and did not stay for the weaving because they were dehydrated. Also it is very difficult to get a taxi there so arrange with your ride there to come back. I would only go well prepared with snacks and drinks and on an early tour. Not Monday when it is hot. Teaches the kids what life was like 2000 years ago. You see some bathes and floors and tunnels of homes from then.
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The origin of YALU Spring connecting to the Refaim streamJust across the road to the Jerusalem ZOO, Site of an old farm dating to the time of the First Temple 7th Century B.C.,ON TOP Remains of a Roman period VILLA RUSTICA Style farm with some mosaics and roman baths.Nice living exhibition of weaving,pottery,painting,olive...
MoreThe origin of YALU Spring connecting to the Refaim streamJust across the road to the Jerusalem ZOO, Site of an old farm dating to the time of the First Temple 7th Century B.C.,ON TOP Remains of a Roman period VILLA RUSTICA Style farm with some mosaics and roman baths.Nice living exhibition of weaving,pottery,painting,olive oil production,old time vinery,cosmetics and old time dress and agriculture
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