Such a unique experience. Art, working synagogue, amazing history of saved artifacts. Definitely worth a visit! Perfect for a Friday morning when so many small museums are closed.
The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art
The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art (Photo: Dudi Saad).
The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art (Photo: Dudi Saad).
The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art (Photo: Dudi Saad).
The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art (Photo: Dudi Saad).
The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art (Photo: Dudi Saad).
The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art (Photo: Dudi Saad).
The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art (Photo: Dudi Saad).
In the center of Jerusalem, within the walls of a beautiful and ancient building, you’ll find the U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art. Founded in 1886, it presents a collection of unique and rare items that expose in front of the visitor one of the oldest and most respected communities in the history of the Jewish people.
The museum resides in an old building from the 19th century. The entry hall covered with impressive frescoes depicting scenes from the holy scriptures, paintings of plants and animals and writings in all languages.
These creations are typical to their oriental era. The most awing fact is that this was not an ordinary wall-paining ordered from an artist, but spontaneous creativity bursts, made by pilgrims who visited the place, and these paintings are their way to express gratitude.
The exhibits in the museum spread the culture and heritage of Italian Jewish diaspora. The goal of the museum is to forge a connection between the Jewish people and their Italian ancestors. One of the ways to achieve this is by spreading out the unique dressing that was unique to this community.
The museum consists of three parts:
- The ancient Italian synagogue
- Showrooms
- The decorated entry hall
At the center of the museum stands an ancient 300-years-old synagogue, initially built in Conegliano town. It contains golden Torah ark that creates a holy atmosphere that is accentuated by the simplicity of the walnut seats. The synagogue was brought intact to Israel during the 1950s as part of a project to retrieve Jewish ritual objects from Italy. To this day, members of the community come to pray in this unique synagogue. In the showrooms, you may see the lifestyle the Jewish people lead in Italy during the destruction of the Second Temple era, during the exile of Rome and until to this very day. The collections include valuable religious objects rescued after the reign of Mussolini and the World War II, including the second most ancient Torah ark in the whole world, the most ancient Parochet in the world, remnants of a synagogue built in the 15th century and more.
Prices
- Entrance fee: Standard – 25 NIS, students – 15 NIS, disabled – 15 NIS, senior citizens – 12 NIS.
- Watching the VR film “The Incarnation of the Golden Menorah” with an addition of 5 NIS.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 67 traveler reviews"A hidden gem - a MUST see for anyone with an interest in the non-Askenazi European Jewish world!"
Please do not miss this museum. Not the easiest to find (upstairs in the building). But, so so worth it! Most people, Jews and non-Jews alike, have no idea that there are a lot of other “types” of Jews in the world besides Ashkenazi. The Italian Jewish community has a...
MorePlease do not miss this museum. Not the easiest to find (upstairs in the building). But, so so worth it! Most people, Jews and non-Jews alike, have no idea that there are a lot of other “types” of Jews in the world besides Ashkenazi. The Italian Jewish community has a 2,000 year old history on its own, totally different than other Jews in Europe. This is a small museum but in many ways “extra”ordinary. Please support this amazing museum by taking a tour. Tell others as well. I was so glad I went. I will long remember this museum and its exhibitions!
Less"A living gem of Italian Jewish history"
"Who knew ; an Italian Synagogue I Jerusalem"
A complete Italian synagogue brought over from Italy and rebuilt to fit into a Jerusalem building. nWalking down Hillel street while doing an errand I saw a sign for the Museum/ Synagogue.nGlad I stopped by; I have never seen or heard about it before , nor from any friends or other Jerusalem visitors. nWorthwhile,...
MoreA complete Italian synagogue brought over from Italy and rebuilt to fit into a Jerusalem building. nWalking down Hillel street while doing an errand I saw a sign for the Museum/ Synagogue.nGlad I stopped by; I have never seen or heard about it before , nor from any friends or other Jerusalem visitors. nWorthwhile, quick and easy site!
Less