One of the very interesting and impressive features of the Israel Museum is the the large-scale model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. This attraction is located outside the main museum buildings adjacent to the Shrine of the Rock. This is a huge (50:1 scale) model of the city that fills around an acre of space. Here you can view a recreation of what is believed to be the topography and architectural nature of the city in 66 CE. You can walk around the model, viewing from an elevated position which allows you to enjoy its texture, depth and surprising detail. At various places, there are city map displays which identify important buildings and structures. Audio guide numbers are also provided for those interested in hearing more about the buildings and the construction of this model of the city. Overall, we very impressed with this enormous model of ancient Jerusalem. This was easily one of the highlights of our visit to the Israel Museum and a place with spending 20-30+ minutes to enjoy.

I loved this exhibit. It allows you to understand how Jerusalem looked and existed in the past. The detail is beyond amazing. This is another exhibit that you can get lost in time just enjoying the details. Another must see if you are in Jerusalem.

Amazing recreation of what Jerusalem looked like 2,000 years ago during the 2nd Temple time period.

The model helps you see, how the city looked at the time. It's different from today, when only remnants of these old structures are present (such as Antonia Fortress, Robinson arc..). Interesting, the Dome of the Rock may _not_ be standing on the _exact_ place of the Temple building: note how it's entrance to the Temple is exactly opposite the Golden gate (now sealed), whereas the Dome of the Rock is located a bit south (left on this picture).

This model of Jerusalem is an excellent way to actually see the Old City in relief with elevations. Certainly added to your understanding of what Jerusalem was actually like.

Our large sightseeing group of Americans found this truly insightful! Our tour guide recommended seeing this outdoor model so we can really grasp how mighty Jerusalem was at its glory / height. Sandy in color but full of knowledge. Highly recommend for individuals or groups seeking to further their understanding on such a monumentally historic land in the Middle East. The area was very clean and maintained. Model is massive! 5 star visit and thoroughly enjoyed learning its lessons together with my group!

Outstanding display. After 8 days of touring the city, it really helped me get a big picture of everywhere I had been.

Amazing. A real shock when you reach it quite how big it is. To get a feeling for Jerusalem in the time of Herod it is essential. What an amazing work of art. This to scale view of Jerusalem in it's hay-day is a wonder to feast your eyes on. Then, the museum can take you hours to truly soak it all in. A one stop shop for a COMPLETE overview of the Holy City and Holy Land. Awesome to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and how despite it being so ancient, seeing how it verifies how current bibles are 99% accurate and the differences are mere grammatical differences that don't change the text meaning. The model (sculpture of the ancient Jerusalem) was my favorite part because the guide tells the stories about where different bible events happened in that model of Jerusalem so that you can better understand and visualize the stories told in the bible, and understand/visualize it on that map and where things were with regards to other locations. So cool! Really enhanced my later viewing of the actual, modern temple. Can't get over how huge the temple was relevant to the surrounding community. One of the very interesting and impressive features of the Israel Museum is the the large-scale model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. This attraction is located outside the main museum buildings adjacent to the Shrine of the Rock.

What an amazing and helpful exhibit. It puts the whole city in perspective, and allows you to take that understanding with you when you go to the actual city. Even the Shem - made up of 3 valleys in the city is visible from the upper railing. You can also visit the Shrine of the Book with a copy of the scroll of Isaiah from the dead Sea scrolls.

A beautiful place. Also there is Museum attached to this place. If you are planning to visit the place please keep yourself free for atleast 3 hr. There is an entry tickets which 39 NIS for students. I would highly recommend this place.

Wonderful work of Holly Temple.

Part of Israel museum - great overview of how Jerusalem looked like during the 2nd Temple Period....

Awesome to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and how despite it being so ancient, seeing how it verifies how current bibles are 99% accurate and the differences are mere grammatical differences that don't change the text meaning. The model (sculpture of the ancient Jerusalem) was my favorite part because the guide tells the stories about where different bible events happened in that model of Jerusalem so that you can better understand and visualize the stories told in the bible, and understand/visualize it on that map and where things were with regards to other locations. Truly a wonderful tool to gain a better understanding of the Bible and grow in ones Christian faith.

It is really helpful to have a 360° view of what Jerusalem was at the age of the second temple

Was impressed with the detail on this model. Wish that we had gone here 1st because it helped be better understand the city of Jerusalem.

What an exhibit! It is hard to imagine what things used to look like from a pile of excavated ruins. This display is art unto itself. Gives a beautiful visual that lets you understand the layout of the ancient city. Easy walk and great explanations of what everything was. A must see.

What an amazing work of art. This to scale view of Jerusalem in it's hay-day is a wonder to feast your eyes on. Then, the museum can take you hours to truly soak it all in. A one stop shop for a COMPLETE overview of the Holy City and Holy Land. Still, going to the sites is wem where it's at! What a gorgeous country!!

Such an impressive 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem in the late second temple period or 516 BCE and 70 CE. The model was created in 1966, the original model location was the Holyland Hotel, it was moved to the Israel Museum in 2006. The model was created by banker Hans Kroch in memory of his son Yaakov who died in the 1948 Palestine War. Do yourself a favour and allow plenty of time to view the model as it is very impressive.

Amazing representation of the Old City 2nd Temple. I can't even begin to imagine the time, love and effort put into this model.

We only had time to see the large model of Jerusalem. It was grand and very informative. Worth a stop.

Great model, highly detailed, helps to understand the built and monuments in Jerusalem on the eve of the second temple distruction and exile by the Romans. Needs a certified and knowledgeable tour guide to fully understand and appreciate it.

Amazing research and mind boggling craftsmanship. The is a 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem as it existed during 2nd temple period. The model, measuring approximately 2,000 square meters (22,000 sq ft). was commissioned in 1966 by the banker Hans Kroch, the owner of the Holy land Hotel, in memory of his son, Yaakov, an IDF soldier who was killed in the 1947–1949 Palestine war in 1948. The model was designed by Israeli historian and geographer Michael Avi-Yonah based on the writings of Flavius Josephus and other historical sources. The model includes a replica of the Herodian Temple. From 1974, Yoram Tsafrir superintended the Holy land Model of Jerusalem.[2] The model was moved from its original location at the Holy land Hotel in Bayit VeGan, to a new site at the Israel Museum in June 2006.

Amazing. A real shock when you reach it quite how big it is. To get a feeling for Jerusalem in the time of Herod it is essential. Amazingly detailed and although original made as a hotel exhibit it has been updated and revised by scholars. Genuinely beautiful in itself.

Nothing compares to this model to show you what ancient Jerusalem looked like.

So cool! Really enhanced my later viewing of the actual, modern temple. Can't get over how huge the temple was relevant to the surrounding community.

Very enlightening seeing everything all at once in relation to one another. We had seen most of the sites, but we were just following the guide our riding the bus. Seeing the city laid out made everything click.

The model used to be at the Holy Land hotel but now is much more conveniently located at the Israel museum. Fascinating took at especially after spending time walking around the old city. The model is not updated for new findings since it is considered art

Such a great way to truly see 1st century Jerusalem. Our guide pointed out different areas for us and helped us envision the town as Jesus would have experienced it. So eye opening for familiar Bible passages.

A must visit before visiting Old Jerusalem to get a better understanding of the rich history, direction bearings and appreciation.

Amazing level of detail. See this AFTER you have walked around the old city.

Fascinating. You hear about the history of Jerusalem but seeing a model of what it actually looked like puts it I to perspective.

It was awesome. May not have been true on everything but it was great to see it.