6 Interesting Places in Jerusalem to Shelter from the Winter Rain
October 14th 2019
Jerusalem in the rain is a beautiful sight, and for Jerusalemites, a most welcome one. It doesn’t rain a lot in Israel, compared to elsewhere in the world but when it does, it can really pour. These winter “rains of blessing” are vital for Israel’s overall water supply, so few locals complain. However, for tourists, it can mean the disruption of tour plans.
Luckily, the Holy City is blessed with so many things to see and do, which are sheltered from the elements. And it’s rare the rain will last a whole day. If the rain begins to fall when you visit, then check out one or more of the following indoor attractions, before continuing with your planned itinerary.
Consider escaping the winter rain in the following:
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The Temple Institute
A short walk from the Western Wall plaza, and a few hundred meters from the Temple Mount, is the Temple Institute. It’s a fascinating place to visit to learn more about the history of the First and Second Temples, as well as plans to bring the reality of a Third Holy Temple to life.
The Temple Institute contains a museum, showcasing recreations and models of what the temples would have looked like and the items contained within. Everything is created using Biblical texts as guidelines.
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The Generations Center
Located adjacent to the Western Wall Plaza, is the Generations Center. This amazing museum showcases the story of the Jewish people, from generation to generation, over the course of more than 3,500 years of history.
There are numerous exhibitions and displays, the most eye-catching of which are the giant glass pillars in the “Hall of Light”, depicting the chain of generations of the Jewish people. There’s also music, sculpture, light effects, holograms, and more, making this an ideal place for young children as well.
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The Wohl Archaeological Museum
Around the corner from the Temple Institute is the Wohl Archeological Museum. The museum surrounds the incredibly preserved remains of Herodian era homes. Located a few meters below ground, visitors are able to get a glimpse of what life would have looked like in Jerusalem during the time of Herod the Great and the Second Temple.
On display are beautiful mosaic floors and stucco wall paintings, as well as bathrooms, reception halls, and water cisterns.
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The Bloomfield Science Museum
Near to the Israeli Knesset (parliament), on the sprawling campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is the Bloomfield Science Museum. This impressive museum makes science and technology more accessible to the general public. There are many things to see and do, including numerous interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
It’s a big place and you can easily spend more than half a rainy day here. A perfect place for children and adults alike.
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The Menachem Begin Museum
Just south of the Old City, and near The First Station, is the Menachem Begin Museum. The center is dedicated to the life of Israel’s 6th Prime Minister who is best known for establishing a lasting peace treaty with Egypt.
The museum contains numerous artifacts from his life as well as displays and exhibitions detailing his personal history. Visitors discover more about his early childhood in Poland, his family’s emigration to Israel, his leadership of the Irgun, and of course, his time as Prime Minister, and beyond.
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The Rockefeller Archaeological Museum
Just north of the Old City, adjacent to the Muslim Quarter, is the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum. The museum contains a vast array of fascinating archaeological finds, from various different eras. On display are collections which include remnants of the 8th-century Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, as well as artifacts from numerous cultures and peoples.
A great place to visit if it begins to rain and you’re near Herod’s Gate.
