New Knesset Museum opens, showcasing a modern interactive experience with the past

The museum was built within the old building of the Knesset, also known as the Froumine House, which is located on King George Street in Jerusalem’s city center.

The remarkable opportunity to step back in time and experience a cornerstone of Israel’s history has become accessible to the public at the new Knesset Museum – the home of Israel’s former parliament building.

The opening ceremony will take place on Monday, and tickets will be available for the public to purchase.

The museum was built within the old building of the Knesset, also known as the Froumine House, which is located on King George Street in Jerusalem’s city center.

The building served as the heart of Israel’s politics and democratic process, housing ministers, MKs, and determining the country’s legislation between 1950 and 1966.

Although the Knesset was transferred in 1966 to the new building in the government complex in Jerusalem’s Givat Ram area, the former Knesset building at the Froumine House has come back to life in this restoration.

The museum has been designed to go further than simply displaying historical artifacts, as it will offer its visitors an interactive experience with the aim of allowing them to feel as though they themselves are members of the Knesset for the day.

The museum allows visitors to embark on an interactive journey with modern-day technology, making use of artificial intelligence.

Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in voting and decision-making on historical laws and speeches using AI technology, touch sensors, and advanced lighting.

They can also pretend to vote on landmark laws and weigh in on speeches that have become a part of Israel’s history and shaped the nation.

The story of the Knesset has never been more accessible

Current Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana (Likud) remarked that “the history of the Knesset and the State of Israel has never been more accessible.”

On Monday, the ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the opening of the Knesset’s museum will take place. Officials attending the ceremony are expected to include Ohana, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion.

The group of Israeli officials will all then go on a tour of the museum’s various exhibits.

Among the exhibits visitors can enter is a reconstructed Knesset plenum, showcasing the space where past leaders voted on laws.

The plenum is made up of equipment from the time, including the same microphones and fans that were used.

Another location open to the public is the government chamber, where Israel’s government held its meetings in the early years of the state. The room is accessible through a hidden entrance.

Within the chamber is also a secret government vault containing a protocol of Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion.

An additional exhibit will use technology so that the former Knesset Speakers’ office will come to life through portraits that appear to be speaking to one another.

Some of the portraits will be those of the former speakers of the Knesset at the Froumine House, including Yosef Sprinzak, Kadish Luz, and Nahum Nir.

Hanging on the wall, the portraits speak to each other, suddenly realizing they are museum exhibits and sharing stories about their work.

The Knesset’s Kol Yisrael broadcasting booth, where radio broadcasters would engage in heated debates, is also a featured exhibit within the museum.

The room allows visitors to use the original telephones to hear reports by picking up their receivers.

The museum’s cafeteria will be an exhibit in and of itself, as it used to be the heart of discussion and was considered a political arena.

The cafeteria will also display dishes that reflect the spirit of the time, such as chopped liver and jellied calf’s foot, which were once eaten at the Knesset. The cafeteria will also feature original menus and old tables.

Ohana remarked on the importance of the Knesset museum, stating that “This is a building of national and historical importance in the history of the Jewish people, where laws were passed, speeches delivered, and debates waged that shaped the identity of the Knesset and the State of Israel.”

Ohana also noted the importance of restoring and modernizing the old building.

“Transforming it into a modern museum will deepen the public’s acquaintance with its elected representatives throughout the generations, enhance understanding of parliamentary processes, and strengthen culture and heritage,” Ohana said.

Moshe Chico Edri, director general of the Knesset, referred to the museum as “a milestone in educating future generations about the significant events that took place in this house and the historical processes that shaped the State of Israel.”

“The museum – which combined the challenges of historical events, the state’s core values, technological innovation, preservation, and restoration – will provide visitors with a unique experience suitable for the whole family.”

Tickets can be booked starting Monday via the Knesset Museum’s website at prices of 5 NIS for children and 10 NIS for adults.