Museums in Israel: ANU - The Museum of the Jewish People (Formerly Beit Hatefusot)
Beit Hatefusot, the Nahum Goldmann Museum of the Jewish Diaspora, opened on on the campus of Tel Aviv University on May 15, 1978, the 30th anniversary of the State of Israel. The idea of a museum to depict the Jewish Diaspora throughout the ages, and in all its various phases, was first suggested by Dr. Nahum Goldmann at a meeting of the World Jewish Congress held in Stockholm in 1959. In 2005, the Knesset passed the Beit Hatfutsot Law that defines Beit Hatfutsot as “the National Center for Jewish communities in Israel and around the world.”
After ten years of planning and construction, the largest Jewish museum in the world reopened in 2020 with a new name ANU - The Museum of the Jewish People. This unique global institution tells the ongoing and extraordinary story of the Jewish people. The Museum represents all parts of the Jewish people and highlights the creative works and cultural riches of a variety of communities in different periods of history.
The Museum connects Jewish people to their roots and strengthens their personal and collective Jewish identity and conveys to the world the fascinating narrative of the Jewish people and the essence of the Jewish culture, faith, purpose and deed while presenting the contribution of world Jewry to humanity.
The Museum’s mission is:
- To present and display the unique and ongoing 4,000 year-old story of the Jewish people – past, present and future.
- To nurture a sense of belonging among Jewish visitors and to strengthen Jewish identity.
- To serve as the central address for Jewish discourse, engagement and learning for Jewish individuals, families, communities and organizations from Israel and around the world.
The new core exhibition reflects the Jewish world of today.
For over four decades, The Museum of the Jewish People has been playing an integral role in strengthening Jewish identity and perpetuating Jewish heritage worldwide.
ANU – Museum of the Jewish People is positioning itself as a relevant, cutting-edge Museum and cultural center, whose relevance and reputation for excellence will be unrivaled. Each visitor will feel – The Story is not Complete without You!
Hours (as of June 2021):
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday | 10am – 5pm |
Tuesday | 10am – 7pm |
Thursday | 10am-10pm |
Friday | 9am – 2pm |
Saturday | 10am – 5pm |
Museum Shop | Visitors receive a 10% discount in the museum shop. The shop is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm. Friday 10 am to 2 pm. The shop is closed on Saturdays. |
Admission Fees:
Regular | NIS 52 |
Senior citizens | NIS 26 |
Persons with disabilities, college students, "olim" | NIS 39 |
DigiTel Residents Club | NIS 42 |
Children under 5 | Free |
Soldiers in uniform | Free (with ID) |
Sources: Encyclopaedia Judaica. © 2007 The Gale Group. All Rights Reserved.
ANU Museum of the Jewish People.