How long does it take to walk the Jerusalem Cultural Mile?

A thorough self-guided walk typically takes about 4 hours. This includes 90 minutes for the Israel Museum, 30 minutes for the Shrine of the Book, and time to enjoy the Knesset Menorah and Wohl Rose Garden.

Is the walking route in Givat Ram hilly?

No, this specific route is relatively flat and easy. Unlike the steep hills of the Old City or the City of David, the Cultural Mile follows wide, paved boulevards and park paths that are easy to navigate.

Can I see the Dead Sea Scrolls on this walk?

Yes, the Shrine of the Book, which is part of the Israel Museum stop, houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. It is one of the most significant archaeological stops on the route.

What is the best time of day to explore Givat Ram?

Morning is best, starting around 10:00 AM. This allows you to explore the museums before the midday heat and finish your walk in the Wohl Rose Garden by early afternoon.

Are there places to eat along the Cultural Mile?

Yes, the Israel Museum has an excellent cafe and a formal restaurant called Modern. There are also smaller kiosks and picnic areas within the Wohl Rose Garden.

Is the Knesset open to the public?

While you can view the exterior and the Menorah at any time, interior tours must be checked in advance. However, the architecture and the monumental Menorah are visible from the public walking path.

Is this Jerusalem walking route family-friendly?

Absolutely. The Israel Museum has a dedicated Youth Wing with interactive exhibits, and the Wohl Rose Garden provides plenty of space for children to run around.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the cultural heart of Jerusalem with this self-guided walk through Givat Ram, a neighborhood where ancient history meets modern democracy. This route, known as the Cultural Mile, offers a unique opportunity to explore the intellectual and artistic soul of the city at your own pace. You will begin your self-guided adventure at the Israel Museum, the country's largest cultural institution, which houses everything from fine arts to ethnographic treasures. As you move through this curated landscape, you will encounter some of the world's most significant archaeological finds, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and a massive scale model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. The walking route continues to the Bible Lands Museum, which provides context to the civilizations of the ancient Near East. This area is not just about the past; it is also the center of Israel's civic life. You will walk past the Knesset, the seat of the Israeli parliament, where the iconic bronze Menorah stands as a symbol of the nation's journey. The experience concludes in the tranquil Wohl Rose Garden, a serene space featuring hundreds of varieties of roses and views of the Supreme Court building. This walking tour Jerusalem offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling alleyways of the Old City, focusing on the grand architecture and expansive green spaces that define the modern capital. Whether you are an art lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a scenic neighborhood stroll, this path provides a comprehensive look at the narratives that have shaped the region. Exploring independently allows you to linger at the exhibits that interest you most, from the white-domed Shrine of the Book to the intricate mosaics found in the gardens. Start exploring with Zigway to uncover the layers of art and history that make this Jerusalem Cultural Mile so compelling.

Highlights

The Dead Sea Scrolls at the iconic Shrine of the Book

A massive 1:50 scale model of Second Temple Jerusalem

Ancient Near Eastern artifacts at the Bible Lands Museum

The Knesset Menorah, a monumental bronze gift from Britain

Tranquil paths through the Wohl Rose Garden with 400+ rose varieties

The impressive modernist architecture of Jerusalem's government quarter

Tour Stops (5)

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Begin your self-guided adventure at the Israel Museum, founded in 1965. This is the largest cultural institution in the country and ranks among the world's leading art and archaeology museums. The campus is vast, featuring a unique blend of indoor galleries and outdoor sculpture gardens. As you wander, you will find the Billy Rose Art Garden, designed by Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, which seamlessly integrates art with the Judean landscape. The museum's archaeology wing holds the world's most comprehensive collection of artifacts from the Holy Land, tracing human history from the prehistoric era to the Middle Ages. It is a place where global art meets local heritage, providing a profound introduction to the region's complex identity.

Shrine of the Book

Located on the Israel Museum campus, the Shrine of the Book is an architectural masterpiece designed by Armand Bartos and Frederick Kiesler. Its distinctive white tiled dome is shaped like the lid of the jars in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. The contrast between the white dome and the adjacent black basalt wall symbolizes the 'Sons of Light' against the 'Sons of Darkness,' a theme found in the scrolls themselves. Inside, you can view the Isaiah Scroll, one of the oldest known biblical manuscripts. This stop offers a meditative look at the preservation of human thought across two millennia, housed in a space that feels both ancient and futuristic.

Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem

Just across the street, the Bible Lands Museum invites you to explore the world of the Bible through the eyes of the many cultures that inhabited the ancient Near East. This museum focuses on the civilizations of the Sumerians, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Persians, showing how their cultures intersected with the biblical narrative. The collection was founded by Dr. Elie Borowski, who spent decades gathering these rare artifacts to illustrate the history of the Tanakh. From intricate cylinder seals to monumental statues, the exhibits here provide a wider lens on the history of the Levant, making it a vital stop for anyone interested in the origins of Western civilization.

The Knesset

Continue your walking route toward the Knesset, the heart of Israeli democracy. The building's modernist design, completed in 1966, reflects the functionalist aesthetic of the era. Outside the main gates, you cannot miss the Knesset Menorah. This five-meter-high bronze monument was a gift from the British Parliament in 1956. It is decorated with 29 reliefs depicting significant events and figures from Jewish history, from the era of the prophets to the modern return to the land. While the interior is used for legislative business, the exterior and the surrounding plaza offer a grand sense of the civic pride and political history of the modern state of Israel.

Wohl Rose Garden

Conclude your neighborhood stroll at the Wohl Rose Garden, a nineteen-acre oasis of tranquility. Situated between the Knesset and the Supreme Court, this garden is the largest of its kind in Israel, featuring over 15,000 rose bushes representing more than 400 varieties. The garden is designed with winding paths, a small pond, and a waterfall, making it a favorite local spot for a quiet break. From various vantage points, you can enjoy views of the city's government buildings framed by colorful blooms. It is the perfect place to reflect on your journey through Jerusalem's history and art before heading back to the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cultural Mile in Givat Ram is the premier route for art and history enthusiasts. It features the Israel Museum, which is the largest cultural institution in the country, and the Bible Lands Museum, offering a deep dive into ancient Near Eastern art.