A very original tax museum one of this kindOriginali innagurated 1964 on Agron Street, the place of the private apartments of Waldorf Astoria today
Museum of Taxes
Researchers, students and those who want to learn more about taxation will find the Museum of Taxes fascinating. The museum was established by the State Revenue Administration of the Ministry of Finance in 1964. The original offices were on Agron Street before relocating in 2006 to its current location on Agripas Street and updating and computerizing many displays.
The idea behind establishing the museum was to explain to the public the importance of proper management of taxes, to show the link between the tax office and a citizen’s daily life and to create a central point for all information and visual material pertaining to the subject of taxation in Israel and in Jewish communities of the diaspora from the ancient world till now. The museum collection comprises documents, certificates, photographs and other items on topics that include:
• Taxes of the ancient world and in biblical texts
• State taxes in Jewish communities of the Diaspora
• Taxation in Israel during the Ottoman Period, the British Mandate and following the establishment of the State of Israel
• The development of the marking system as proof of payment of taxes
• Prevention of smuggling and importation of illegal goods (such as gambling accessories, weaponry, drugs)
• International relations in the field of taxation
• Taxation around the world
• Taxation as part of Israel’s foreign policy
• A display of letters by famous personalities querying tax authorities, such as Ben-Gurion, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, Leah Goldberg and Ze’ev Vilnai.
Each display has an English description.
Entrance is free of charge, and museum visits should be coordinated in advance by phone with Mira Dror: +972-2-625-7597 or +972-2-531-7332 or +972-50-620-8458 (mobile).
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 10 traveler reviews“For Tax Buffs or those looking for something off-beat”
I don’t know how many tax museums there are in the world, but Jerusalem’s must be up there with the very best! After several score visits to the city, I was looking for something a little different, and this Fit the bill. The one room museum offers a tour of taxation systems in what...
MoreI don’t know how many tax museums there are in the world, but Jerusalem’s must be up there with the very best! After several score visits to the city, I was looking for something a little different, and this Fit the bill. The one room museum offers a tour of taxation systems in what is now Israel over the last 2000 years.One issue is that all of the signage was in Hebrew; the museum does possess an English translation of the main Descriptions, but the subsidiary ones – – that is the descriptions of actual exhibits – – are all in Hebrew. Still, if you work for the IRS or some fraternal organization you will be in seventh heaven here! I was only slightly amused, but it was not a bad way to spend an hour or so before heading off to Machane Yehuda market for lunch. By the way, the museum does not tax you! It’s free!
Less“Engaging, Informative way to approach history ”
I’m totally not interested in the subject of taxes but accompanied my husband who had seen the sign a few years ago. I was amazed and immediately captivated. This is really a museum using tax documents to illustrate history in a way that is meaningful and stimulating! It’s really about subjects like bribery, human...
MoreI’m totally not interested in the subject of taxes but accompanied my husband who had seen the sign a few years ago. I was amazed and immediately captivated. This is really a museum using tax documents to illustrate history in a way that is meaningful and stimulating! It’s really about subjects like bribery, human rights, amusing situations, smuggling, ....and much more! Commentary is in Hebrew but Mira Dror, the person working there, is fluent in English, passionate about the exhibits, and very happy to explain everything! The entrance is marked on the outside - but it might take Mira a few minutes to get to the door (we almost gave up). I would suggest checking hours since it’s not open every day. Don’t think you have to be interested in the economy or in accounting to find this a very interesting and worthwhile visit!
Less“RENOVATED ORIGINAL MUSEUM”