Temple Institute Museum

Address: Temple Institute, Jewish Quarter, Old City of Jerusalem, 45 Hagai St., Jerusalem 91001, Israel

Website: https://www.templeinstitute.org/

Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00am-5:00pm; closed on major Jewish holidays (check website)

Admission: Free to enter the Temple Institute exhibition spaces (donations welcome); some special exhibits may request donations or have guided tours at a fee

The Temple Institute is a research and educational organisation in Jerusalem’s Old City dedicated to studying and preparing items related to the ancient Jewish Temples. It presents reconstructions, models and ritual garments connected to Temple practice.

Museum galleries display detailed models of the Temple complex, reconstructions of priestly vestments and ritual vessels, and explanatory material on Temple service and architecture. The institute also conducts research and produces replicas intended for potential future use.

Founded in the late 20th century, the institute combines scholarship, craft workshops and public exhibitions to explain Temple history and ritual. It operates independently and focuses on study and preparation rather than archaeological excavation.

The institute is located in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, within walking distance of the Western Wall and the Temple Mount area.

• Purpose: The institute focuses on research, education and the preparation of ritual items related to the Biblical Temple; it is open to visitors and located in the Old City of Jerusalem.
• Exhibits focus: Exhibits include reconstructions and research on historical Temple practices rather than archaeological excavations of the Temple Mount itself.

What to See#

• Priestly garments and vessels: Exhibits and workshops where traditional priestly garments and ritual vessels have been researched and where replicas have been produced.
• Temple models and galleries: A full-scale model and visual displays illustrating the layout and features of the ancient Jewish Temples and key ritual areas.

Located in Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter in the Old City. From the Western Wall Plaza it is a short walk (about 5-10 minutes). The Old City is pedestrianised; enter through the Jaffa Gate or Zion Gate and follow signs to the Jewish Quarter.

• The Temple Institute sits in Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter - combine a visit with a walk along the Western Wall tunnels and the Hurva Synagogue precinct.
• Allow quiet time in the small workshops where craftsmen produce ritual objects; photography is sometimes restricted - ask staff.
• If visiting the Old City, check the timing of religious services which can affect access and crowding.