Culture in Jerusalem

Jerusalem’s cultural attractions range from European to Middle Eastern, and from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian to Armenian. Enjoy an evening at the Jerusalem Center for Performing Arts, the Henry Crown Symphony Hall, or watch dramatic performances at the Khan Theater. Art galleries abound, but for fine art visit the Israel Museum, home to a vast collection of diverse art, archaeological exhibits, and Judaica, as well as the Dead Sea Scrolls housed in the Shrine of the Book. Other top Jerusalem museums include the Museum for Islamic Art, Bible Lands Museum, and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.

Jerusalem’s melting pot of cultures has made it a culinary destination where you can sample ethnic cuisine from around the world. Explore the Mahane Yehuda Market and stop for a Georgian khachapuri. Try Ethiopian injera, or Armenian lahmajun at Bulghourji Restaurant, and don’t miss Jerusalem grilled meats (Me’urav). Jerusalem hosts several annual cultural events including the Lights Festival, Wine Festival, and the Jerusalem Season of Culture. 

Religion forms a major part of Jerusalem’s cultural life. Christians will find many exquisite churches, like the massive 4th century Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Temple Mount is home to iconic Islamic structures like the Dome of the Rock, and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Top Jewish cultural sites include the Western Wall, and the Old City synagogues.