The Heritage and Museums Unit
The Heritage and Museums Unit of the Ministry of Defense preserves and imparts the security heritage of the State of Israel. The unit manages 10 museums across the country. Together, the museums tell the story of Israel's security and defense - from the early days of Zionism to the present. Each of them offers a variety of activities tailored to different audiences: the education system, the defense establishment, families, labor unions, and more.
Museums across the country:
Beit Hahhomer Museum
Tells the story of the "Bar Giora" and "Hashomer" organizations, which served as the social foundation and basis for the security and settlement of the Jewish population in the land under foreign rule.Underground Prisoners Museum in Acre
Tells the story of the Acre Mandate Prison (1920–1948) from the perspective of the underground prisoners – Haganah, Irgun, and Lehi.Haapala and Naval Museum
Presents the story of clandestine immigration and the struggle for immigration to the Land of Israel from 1934 to 1948.Beit Hagdudim Museum
Features two exhibitions that tell the history of the recruitment of Jewish units for the British Army during the two World Wars and the foundation of the IDF.The Haganah Museum
Presents the story of the development of the Jewish defense forces, the volunteering for the British Army and the Notrim, the establishment of the Palmach during World War II, the arms procurement and production efforts, the clandestine immigration, and the struggle against the British Mandate until the UN partition resolution on November 29, 1947, and the outbreak of the War of Independence.Etzel House
Tells the story of the National Military Organization (Irgun) during the War of Independence and its activities for the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel, including its integration into the IDF, following the UN partition resolution on November 29, 1947.Lehi Museum
Presents the story of Avraham "Yair" Stern, the founder and commander of the Fighters for the Freedom of Israel (Lehi) organization, and the history of Lehi from its establishment in 1940 to the recruitment of Lehi fighters to the IDF.Etzel Museum
Dedicated to commemorating the National Military Organization, its commanders, fighters, and operations.The Palmach Museum
Tells the story of the Palmach, its heritage, its members, and the next generation. As part of the museum's activities, visitors can meet Palmach members and hear firsthand accounts.Underground Prisoners Museum in Jerusalem
Describes the community's struggle to establish the State of Israel through the stories of the underground prisoners.
The museums serve as heritage centers, combining historical exhibits, rotating exhibitions, and educational activities that reflect the complex and diverse security history of the state. They show and highlight the long process of shaping the national memory in the field of security, with each museum adding an important layer to the Israeli story.
The museums house unique collections documenting the development of the Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel and the heritage of the IDF throughout the generations. The educational activities in the museums connect the past, present, and future, and strengthen the bond between Israeli society and its security heritage.
The staff of the Museums Unit will be glad to help you find unique activities at the unit's museums. Activities can include the use of halls, escape games, unique tours, workshops, creative activities, and many other activities tailored especially for you.
For more information about the museums and their activities, opening hours, and special exhibitions, visit the Heritage and Museums Unit website: