This museum complex lies within a large enclosure that also encompasses Tel Qasile, an ancient mound in which 12 strata of past civilizations have been discovered. Selected artifacts from Tel Qasile are displayed in the museums, but especially fascinating is the archaeological site, where you can enter and explore a rebuilt typical house from the pre-Israelite Canaanite period.
Besides Tel Qasile, Eretz Israel has eight attractions. The Kadman Numismatic Pavilion has exhibits chronicling the history of coinage and monetary systems. The Glass Pavilion has a fine, rare collection of glass vessels spanning 3,000 years of civilization, from 1500 B.C. to A.D. 1500, the largest collection of ancient glass in Israel. The Ceramics Pavilion shows how pottery was made, decorated, and used throughout the ages, and has a reconstructed dwelling from biblical times complete with pots. The small Ethnography and Folklore Pavilion holds a wealth of Jewish ethnic art and handicrafts -- household and religious items, jewelry, and costumes, set in scenes from daily life. A special feature is a wall of antique Chanukah menorahs from all over the world. The Nechushtan Pavilion is devoted to mining and metallurgy as practiced during biblical times in the Timna Valley, Arava, and Sinai. The "Man and His Work" Center holds truly fascinating displays showing how men and women have earned their daily bread in Israel since ancient times. In the Mosaic Square, you can see the mosaic floor of a Samaritan synagogue (discovered in situ on the grounds of the museum) as well as mosaic floors brought from a Roman villa in Bet Guvrin, a synagogue from Tiberias, and a mosque from Ramla. For astronomy shows, the Lasky Planetarium also displays its collection of moon rocks. An especially pleasant addition to the complex is a park called Landscapes of the Holy Land. The museum shop is well stocked with reproductions, jewelry, crafts, and other great gift choices. A kosher cafeteria is open from 11am to 2pm. Tip: The Museum Gift Shop is one of the best places in Israel for interesting souvenirs and gifts.
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